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  • The Agony and the Ecstasy

  • A Biographical Novel of Michelangelo
  • By: Irving Stone
  • Narrated by: Arthur Morey
  • Length: 33 hrs and 54 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (1,397 ratings)

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The Agony and the Ecstasy

By: Irving Stone
Narrated by: Arthur Morey
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Publisher's summary

This is Irving Stone's powerful and passionate biographical novel of Michelangelo. His time: the turbulent Renaissance, the years of poisoning princes, warring popes, the all-powerful Medici family, the fanatic monk Savonarola. His loves: the frail and lovely daughter of Lorenzo de Medici; the ardent mistress of Marco Aldovrandi; and his last love - his greatest love - the beautiful, unhappy Vittoria Colonna. His genius: a God-driven fury from which he wrested the greatest art the world has ever known. Michelangelo Buonarotti, creator of David, painter of the Sistine ceiling, architect of the dome of St Peter's, lives once more in Irving Stone's marvellous book.

©1987 Irving Stone (P)2012 Random House

What listeners say about The Agony and the Ecstasy

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  • Overall
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A beautiful story

Wonderfully told story about a genius in a time fraught with change
History come to life with Mr. Stone's words.

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11 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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I feel like I know Michelangelo now

I just finished rereading the Agony and Ecstasy in preparation for my upcoming trip to Italy. I first read it during high school as a school assignment. I knew I needed to re-read it before I went to Italy so I would be more familiar with the art and places of Italy. It helped me to get to know Italy and Michelangelo. He has so many wonderful works and it's interesting to hear the background behind the creation of each of them. I was surprised that he lived to be such an old man. No wonder he was able to do so much! What a tireless worker! There is some sensuality and sex, but it is mild and not too graphic.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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Amazing, no detail left unwritten

This audiobook was awesome. It’s long, but gives you such an interesting perspective on Michelangelo’s life. I learned things about him that I didn’t know, like that he was a poet and was made head architect for St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. The narrator took me a little to get used to. He definitely doesn’t speak Italian and wasn’t always great with the pronunciation, but overall was good. This audiobook is worth the listen!

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Outstanding!

One of the most enjoyable books I have ever read. so well developed, I thought I was there!
Going to Italy in several weeks. Can’t wait to see the body of work in real form. Thank you to the narrator; wonderful job!

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1 person found this helpful

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Amazing!

Best book ever read, it is a must! You live eat, feel his life and the ERA!

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Amazing book / Fantástico livro

A delightful book, to enjoy end to end!!
Um delicioso livro, para aproveitar do início ao fim!

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Una vida única

Una obra maestra ! Te lleva de la mano con pasión durante todo el libro, lo que hace difícil dejarlo a un lado !

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Brings the Master to life

This book is a must read for anyone interested in the life and work of Michelangelo Buonarrotti.

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Don't go to Italy without reading this!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This has it all. A fabulous topic, perhaps one of the greatest artists of all time, a fabulous period piece, the Italian Renaissance, and a marvelous story, brilliantly drafted by Stone, that is as captivating as it is informative. I first read this book 40 years ago as a teenager backbacking through Europe, and when I finished it five days later, by which I was in Venice, I had to return to Rome to see pieces I'd read about but not seen when I was there. Planning to return to Italy again, I re-listened to the book, which reignited my interest in the Renaissance and Italian Art and improved the whole experience of touring this marvelous country.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Agony and the Ecstasy?

Historical Fiction has the marvelous ability to weave a compelling story out of cloth that is the history of the era, putting names, places and players into context such that you really feel you have a grasp of the history.

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25 people found this helpful

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Great look in to this great artist's life

Where does The Agony and the Ecstasy rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I thought this was a very good view and perspective in to the man, the politics and the Catholic church. Eye opening and a great read.

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6 people found this helpful