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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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Life changing!!!

This is a profound biography, written about a profound individual. If you feel that you have a great work to do in this life, then this is an essential book.

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Wonderful

This story was like a spiritual experience. I recommend it to anyone interested in great artists and artwork

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Great Book

Must-read for insight into Michelangelo, the Renaissance, and the connection between Catholicism and art. The narrator is excellent.

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Fabulous!

Absolutely fantastic. Wonderful narration and story telling. Highly recommend this book. Clear, well told … historically accurate. Thank you !

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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”

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30 hours of art history!!

What a great way to learn about Michelangelo, his art, and other artists from the High Renaissance.

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Best historical fiction ever

As an artist about to for to Florence and Rome it was recommended I read this book. I’m stunned by how well it was written, the extraordinary detail about his works and the probably thoughts behind them, the constant battles with the overturning leaders, battles, popes, jealousies and traditions. I can’t wait to go see his works again, knowing more to look for now.

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Riveting biography

Irving Stone brings the life of Michelangelo to living color. Coupled with the excellent reading of the novel, this recording is captivating right to the end.

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Wonderful book

I do not write reviews very often but after having just gotten back from Italy and seeing many of Michaelangelo's works this book brought me to tears. It is beautifully written and narrated.

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Wonderful Preparation for a Visit to Florence and Rome

The book provides wonderful context to the art and architecture of Michelangelo, which are at the heart of most vacation trips to Florence and Rome. David, Bacchus and more in Florence. Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's, Moses and more in Rome

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