The Agony and the Ecstasy

A Biographical Novel of Michelangelo

By: Irving Stone

Narrated by: Arthur Morey

Length: 33 hrs and 54 mins

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

Excellent story, very well done

Preparing for a trip to Italy this is a wonderful introduction to the great Michelangelo. The story is well written and the narrative is extremely well-done keeping you engaged throughout the entire unabridged addition.

I'm looking forward to my visit to Florence and Rome to relive some of this story.

Still Outstanding

I believe that history written closer to those times has a more accurate picture of what has happened without the intervention of agenda or in- correct slander of an Artist Sexuality, as was attempted in a recent biography about Norman Rockwell; that the author intimated that Rockwell was gay. this Michelangelo biography was a pleasure to read when I was younger and even better at 50.

Going to Italy

Each morning I would leave my house with my dog for a long walk listening to this book. I would announce to my family 'I'm going to Italy.' it was wonderful listening to the thoughts that Michelangelo might have had about all of his pieces. I listened to it on my phone so as I would walk I would Google about the different pieces that he was working on. I felt as if I was back in Italy two years before when I had gone for my first time. a lovely way to create & spend a vacation without actually going anywhere.

Engaging and Inspiring

An inspiring story, beautifully written. Lots of interesting detail about Michaelangelo ' work and the world he lived in. Excellent narration.

Sublimely Uplifting

Stone has with convincing argument knitted together the known elements of the life of Michelangelo with thoughtful surmise. The book is as much a 'how to' for sculptors and artists as it is a lesson in human perseverance and the obligation and passionate embrace that great talent brings with it.

Excellent book; excellent narration

A must listen to biography. It's accurate to the life of M and very well narrated. The novel adds depth and fills out the humanity of M's life and times with speculative dialogue.

Amazing life told well

I listened to this as I worked on a particularly hard mural project and it made me appreciate Michelangelo’s work so much more than I already did (and I already really did). The performance was done really well although I felt at times Michelangelo‘a voice was a little too soft and almost pitiful sounding but Michelangelo really did have it rough at times. Having just spent 34 hours with him I feel like we’re good friends. Cried at the end. Loved it. Highly recommended.

A masterpiece

Having read multiple biographies and novels on a number of artists, this one stands out amongst them. I know it has been around for a long time but it holds up like marble. It is exquisitely written. I cried throughout as Irving Stone described how Michelangelo sculpted his masterpieces. I learned so much. It is an awesome book. Definitely worth experiencing if you love art and Italian history. Bravo.

Excellent

Having seen many of the works in this book it is so amazing to Journey through the mind of a true master. Irving Stone brings Michelangelo in his world to life and makes you feel like you really understand the meaning behind every piece of work he did. So glad I listened. It has changed my view on so many things.

Masterpiece

Where do ideas come from?
“I am no wiser at 82 than I was at 39.
Ideas are a natural function of the mind as breathing is of the lungs. Perhaps they come from God” -Maestro Michelangelo, Sculptor, Painter, Poet, Architect, Engineer, Inventor,...

When He saw what He had done, He says, “It is Very Good”