Michelangelo and the Pope's Ceiling

By: Ross King

Narrated by: Alan Sklar

Length: 7 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

In 1508, despite strong advice to the contrary, the powerful Pope Julius II commissioned Michelangelo Buonarroti to paint the ceiling of the newly restored Sistine Chapel in Rome. During the four extraordinary years that Michelangelo spent laboring over the 12,000 square foot ceiling, power politics and personal rivalries swirled around him. He battled ill health, financial and family difficulties, inadequate knowledge of the art of fresco, and the Pope's impatience - a history that is more compelling than most novels. The author presents a magnificent tapestry of day-to-day life for the artist, the upheaval of early 16th-century Italy, as well as uncommon insight into the intersection of art and history. In the end, Michelangelo produced one of the world's most renowned artistic wonders.

©2002 Ross King (P)2003 The Audio Partners Publishing Corp.

Critic reviews

"King chronicles Michelangelo's aesthetic decisions and clarion triumphs over myriad forms of adversity with expertise and contagious enthusiasm." ( Booklist)

"King's historical account...is splendid, thorough, and detailed. Skylar's narration is perfect for the project. His lively and expressive reading add a realistic edge to a centuries-old tale." ( Publishers Weekly)

History Comes Alive

As another reviewer wrote, I wanted some background on some of the sites we plan to visit soon. I highly recommend this book for travelers to Rome and also those who enjoy historical drama. A fascinating account of art, religion, politics, family, and war. The narration was suberb.

Nonstop inyerest

I love hearing stories of artusys, impressionist, surrealist, I.e. Peggy Guggenheim collection and Jackson Pollock. Can't get enough. keep them coming

Wildly Interesting

I don’t know much about art, but I like history, and this is some good art history. It’s also good political history, and good religious history. It’s a cane inside in to help people lived and worshiped those hundreds of years ago. Well written and entertaining.

great honest detailed

an honest look at pope Julius 2nd and Michelangelo during the creation of the cistine chapel ceiling

Interesting

Interesting history of Michelangelo and his work on the Sistine Chapel and other great works. Good background information which would be nice to have other authors substantiate.

Loved this story.

I cut my teeth on The Agony and the Ecstasy, so this is right down my alley. If you enjoy the Sistine Chapel, this story of Michelangelo’s struggles with Pope Julius and those he had with had with the ceiling, you might enjoy this story. I did😊

Great reading

I really loved being able to read along while I listened to the book! However, the audible thing would skip over words, lines, and sometimes even pages of words.

sistine chapel

I really enjoyed this book, as a historic novel it was well written and enjoyable. It made me want to go back to Italy to see the Sistine chapel again!!

In one ear and out the other

Very interesting information, and I enjoyed reading all about it… but I knew I was not going to retain much once it was over.

Great story not so great reading

I loved all the detail not just about Michelangelo’s life, but about all the political turmoil surrounding it. The only reason for the 4 stars in reading is pronunciation. If the reader chooses, in this case, to go with actual Italian pronunciation, he needs to stick with it throughout. Many names were mispronounced. I’m Italian and it just bothers me.