The Agony and the Ecstasy: A Biographical Novel of Michelangelo

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.

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.

I read this years ago when in college, and listening to it was like revisiting a very good friend that I had not seen in years. Sometimes such occasions can be awkward or disappointing. Certainly there have been times that I have tried to listen to a book that I enjoyed in my youth, only to end up scratching my head. But not this time...The detail is phenomenal (Irving Stone writes as if he actually lived in the 15th century). The writing is superb. The narration is outstanding. Most importantly, it’s a story about one of the greatest artists that ever lived, and how he was compelled by an inner drive to create some of the greatest art ever produced. So skip the mediocre movie by the same name and listen to the book.

I read this book in 1961 and told myself this is a book I have to read again some day. Irving Stone is the master of the biographical novel and his writing is excellent. His wife Jean was the primary researcher for all his books, they worked as a team. This is the story of Michelangelo Buonarotti starting as a young boy through his first apprenticeship and the move to the "garden"to apprentice in sculpture and patronage of Lorenzo de Medici. This is an in-depth story of his life and the history and polictics of the time. From the fanatic monk Savonarola who burned and destroy much of the art and literature of Florence to the wars and the politics of the church. I wonder what more beautiful thing Michelangelo could have produce if the various Pope's would have let him finish one project before forcing him to another. One good thing is one Pope forced his to paint and another to be an architect when all he wanted to do was sculpt. I did not remember that he build a road up a steep mountain including digging tunnels, designing wagon's to carry the marble off the steep mtn. so I guess one could say he was also an engineer. I enjoyed the meeting's between Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. Arthur Morey did a good job narrating the book with all the Italian names.

This is one of the best books I have ever had the pleasure to read.

Of course, my favorite character is Michaelangelo.

Sorry, but most anyone could have read this better. This guy simply drones.

This book takes many, many sittings!

I read this book over thirty years ago and loved it. I enjoy listening to books while I run, and I decided to choose this one. Because the story is so powerful, it did not disappoint me, but it is a shame that the narrator is not any better.

One of the best, I'm and artist and I've listened to The Agony and The Ecstasy for years on books on tape, but tapes wore out so I ordered the audio book and am very pleased with it.

How much I identify with Michelangelo, the only difference between us is that he was a genius and a great artist, I'm not a genius and I'm only a good artist, also the historical significance.

Feeling and emotion

After Michelangelo finished the Pieta' and his friends helped him place it, he later came back and put his name on it. The most moving part of the book to me was when he rode away. He had completed one of the greatest pieces of art ever conceived and there was no one there. He and his few friends were the only ones who knew what he had accomplished. I cry every time I get to this part in this wonderful story. I have a tear in my eye right now.

Absolutely loved this book. Stone weaves a wonderful story, effectively combining history, biography and fiction. Although I had read the book many, many years ago, listening made me appreciate Michelangelo's work (and that of his contemporaries) even more. Narration was excellent. Overall a must listen for anyone who loves art or wants to learn more about it.

This is trully such a great listen on almost all levels.Its emotional,intellectualy satisfying,historicly wonderous,spiritual.ect.ect...Also I strongly disagree with the reviews trashing the narrator.I found him wonderful and even hunted for other books he's read...this realy is a great audiobook...enjoy.

Yes, it speaks clearly, pronounces things right, and is at a good pace.

Good audio book. You just need to focus on listening because it is very long.