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The family home of Michelangelo Buonarroti--surely Italy's most famous artist--the Casa Buonarroti boasts the world's largest collection of Michelangelo's drawings and personal papers. Now a private foundation and museum, the Casa Buonarroti is also well known for art and antiquities collected by Michelangelo's family members. This volume includes drawings usually kept in storage to protect them from exposure to damaging light and air, among them sketches and preparatory studies for such important works as the Sistine Chapel and the Medici tombs. It affords an extraordinary view of Michelangelo through personal sketches, writings, and studies from the artist's notebooks, as well as insights into his family through painting, sculpture, and graphic works.Among the treasures of the Casa Buonarroti are two marble reliefs: the Madonna of the Steps and the Battle of the Centaurs. In addition, the Museum owns rich collections of paintings, sculptures, majolica ware, and archaeological pieces, as well as the most famous collection in the world of drawings by Michelangelo's own hand. ... Read more

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According to a vague traditionthe Simoni drew their blood from the high and puissant Counts of Canossa. Michelangelo himself believed in this pedigreefor which there ishoweverno foundation in factand no heraldic corroboration. According to his friend and biographer Condivithe sculptor¿s first Florentine ancestor was a Messer Simone dei Conti di Canossawho came in 1250 as Podesta to Florence. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Outstanding biograpphy !
Miguel Angel is to say in Carlyle words , the Hero made Artist .
If we had more individualities with his courage , the symphony of the civilization would be more glorious .
If we persisted in search of the affinities of such artist we would find them in Beethoven . If not go and listen the last quartets of Beethoven (Op. 130 and 132, for instance) and proceed to watch the last works of Miguelangelo . You will not find another music more appropriate which illuminates with so fevered state, intriguing pathos and dark clouds mood .He, as the legitimate son of the ancient Greeks lived in the right time and in the right place Florence to show the world the Renaissance not only was the most important artistic movement of the mankind story but it was more than necessary a figure of his stature appearedin the middle of this land.
He belonged to the lineage of the deep characters , violents , greatful , that strengthens and fight passionately.
Miguel Angel was the timeless inspiration to many other thinkers , writers and artists such as William Blake, Goethe, Beethoven, Liszt, Mendelssohn, Lord Byron , Carlyle and Fürtwangler, among others and even his legacy seems to have not any kind of restrictions.
The author makes a careful study and explores dilatory every stage ofhis complex life with magnificent illustrations and broad gusto that it represents an exquisite refinement exercise for the intellect and mind to read this fundamental biography
The description of the Sistine Chapel is simply a imagination triumph and the highest and supreme good taste .
Terrific recommendable.
... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

Fascinating first person account of the genius
I enjoyed this book primarily because it is written by a friend and contemporary of Michelangelo who himself was an accomplished artist. The first person account and recollections of Michelangelo the man were enlightening.

A short, and very readable book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Artistic words
For many years, I belonged to a reading group who explored different angles of diversity in literature; Michelangelo's poetry was one of the books we used, as it gave us the opportunity to explore different aspects at the same time. How would someone whose creative genius in some media (painting, sculpture, architecture) made him an immortal in history translate onto the written page? Would Michelangelo's sexual orientation, always a topic of debate based upon various images in paint and stone, as well as personal stories and correspondence, be more observable, or more obscured by his poetry?

Gilbert presents a very good volume of Michelangelo's poetry - coupled with selected letters, this gives a good insight into the spirit of Michelangelo beyond the visual artistic productions.The poems are translated into verse form, not a choppy word-for-word translation, and there are notes that are helpful without being distracting.

Gilbert begins with a brief biographical essay, exploring Michelangelo's artistry and relationships - so far as his poetry is concerned, he was not widely published in his lifetime, but did have some poems circulated, and sought the critical analysis and advice of other respected literary figures of the day. Michelangelo's poetry was known well enough to become the subject of composition (Bartolommeo Tromboncino set one poem to music) and general reference (Benedetto Varchi, when lecturing on artistic theory, used Michelangelo's poetry as examples).

Michelangelo's grand-nephew, in publishing the poems in 1623, changed phrases and pronouns to make the poems conform to standard conventions - men would not be writing love poems to men, etc., and this change continued into the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries unquestioned.This, however, is not a major theme in this volume.

With regard to the quality of the poems, Michelangelo's literary output was less admired for its aesthetic and technical value as much as for the ideas contained therein. Even here, Michelangelo's ideas were fairly conventional, common among the educated literati, and rarely giving profound insight. Even so, his poetry was artful, technically interesting if not brilliant, and full of emotion as Michelangelo was known to be.

The poetry here is full of passion; the early ones full of the kind of love and passion of a young lover; the later ones looking for a spiritual value and perfection unattainable in this world even with the chisel or brush or Michelangelo. He incorporates a kind of Neoplatonic admiration of the ideal over the physical, and has a sort of pessimism even in the height of passion. He often looks upon the body as frail, fragile, a 'temporary wrapper for the soul' - this contrasts dramatically against his visual art, particularly sculpture, where the powerful bodies (most often male) were Michelangelo's 'signature'.

Michelangelo did not study Latin, so classical references are less here than more common contemporary influences.There are many magnificent lines and phrases here; I found my highlighter coming out numerous times throughout the poetry, and certain images remaining for a long time. This is interesting reading, all the more so given the other creations of Michelangelo - this book gives new insight into the mind of the great artist.

fascinating indeed
For anyone interested in the full life of Michelangelo this is a must read.The editor is quite helpful without being overbearing in his attempt to put the material into a context.There is a short but very nice biography at the beginning which helps the reader understand the flow of the artist's life.The selection of his personal letters helps us see Michelangelo as a person, a person with substantial family and business difficulties which constantly tried to divert his attention.His poetry is delightful and revealing.A valuable text for anyone interested in his life, art, or era.

Paint and Poiltics
"It is better to remain silent than to fall from the heights"

Primary sources need no review. ... Read more

Product Description
This new edition asks probing questions.What did Michelangelo paint in the Sistine Chapel?How old was Michelangelo when he began to train to be an artist?Where did Michelangelo spend most of his adult life?Read 'The Life and Work of: Michelangelo Buonarroti' to answer these questions and more.Each book in 'The Life and Work of...' series tells the story of a famous artist.You'll learn about their lives.You'll see how the things that happened to them and the people who they met changed the way they made their art. ... Read more

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Celebrating the 500th anniversary of Michelangelo's David, New American Library releases a special edition of Irving Stone's classic biographical novel-in which both the artist and the man are brought to life in full. A masterpiece in its own right, this novel offers a compelling portrait of Michelangelo's dangerous, impassioned loves, and the God-driven fury from which he wrested the greatest art the world has ever known. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (125)

A masterpiece that is a pleasure to read.
The Agony and the Ecstasy by Irving Stone

Although Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni , commonly known as Michelangelo, was born on 6 March 1475, the book opens on April of 1488, whenMichelangelo was 13 y/o.

If you take Wikipedia's entry on Michelangelo's life, you'll have a cliff note version of the novel, however, The Agony and the Ecstasy is not only the "biographical novel" of Michelangelo; but much more than that, it is the story of the Italian Renaissance in all its glory. Through Michelangelo's eyes one gets a full feeling for Florence and Rome at the time. Stone paints with a broad brush the stories of wars, feuding princes, religious machinations, and the wonderful art that the Renaissance produced.

This novel is also an analysis of the struggle that is necessary to create. We experience the creation of just about every major work of art of Michelangelo and the personal struggles that went into the creative process. We see the artist as he struggles with family, princes, popes and other artists to get his designs accepted. Michelangelo started an apprentice on painting at age 13.He convince his father to allow this by having his master pay to his father instead of the opposite.However, Michelangelosoon discovers marble, and from there on he is smitten by sculpting.In Michelangelo's own words:

"The painter draws to occupy space, the sculptor to displace it." (p.78)
"...the painter draws to externalize, to wrench a shape out of himself and set it on paper; the sculptor draws to internalize, to pull a shape out of the world and solidify it with himself." (p.78)
"No, no, cutting stone does not take strength out of you, it puts it back in." (p. 82)
"If I don't have wonderful sculptures to show that the years have passed, then my memories will be truly bitter." (p. 618)

His work was commissionedand interrupted by the powers that be: The Medici's, the popes, and royalty: making him move--back and forth--from Florence--his true home--to Bologna, and Rome.

In his 89 years of life ( died 18 February 1564) he had threeloves: Contessina Medici (consumed), Vittoria Colonna (not consumed and she died a virgin even though she was engaged at age 4 and was married), and Tomasso de Cavalieri, an apprentice thirty years his junior (not consumed, but Michelangelo was accused of having a sexual affair with him.

The book is truly the glory of a life well lived as the artist dies leaving a truly monumental body of work behind. A masterpiece that is a pleasure to read.

Great read about the culture and life of Michelangelo
Would be a great ready before going to Italy. Read this is my high school humanities class many years ago and truly loved it.

The Soul of an Artist
I read The Agony and the Ecstasy many years ago (as a teenager) and remember being mesmerized by the story, the detail, the intensity. As an adult, it is still an amazing journey through a time period of brilliant artists, the discovery of the Americas, the political control of the Popes.

At the heart is Michaelangelo, a man so driven by his talent he literally cannot do another thing except create. Supporting his ne'er do well father and brothers insures he will never have wealth from his paintings and sculptures, but that doesn't matter to him. His passion defines the title; the ecstasy he feels when he is immersed in chipping away the marble to get at the figure hidden inside; the agony he endures dealing with the Popes, the critics, those who manipulate and betray him.

At 758 pages, this is a rather long and sometimes difficult read (just trying to pronounce all those Italian names in my head stopped forward progress) but so worth it. In the end, I learned a lot about the politics and history of the times, and got a glimpse into the heart of a man whose art the world still treasures.

Even Better The Second Time Around
I read this book in the spring of 1961 when I was ready to turn 15.I enjoyed it then for the sense of light and joy it gave me, and I get the same feeling now, only better, from the vantage point of someone who's lived an interesting life.I'm of Italian descent on my father's side, so the frequent use of the Italian language in names and phrases entertains me.Stone makes me feel like I'm on an actual trip to Italy during the Renaissance, seeing the creation of the grand works of art tourists now visit hurriedly on their "whirlwind tours".This book gives one more than just a fast run-through -- it sinks in to your psyche, as it did mine almost 50 years ago.Whether a re-read or a first read, this novel should be downloaded into every 21st century tech-cluttered mind to see what can be done with passion and simple tools.

made me want to drop everything and visit Florence
I bought this book as an afterthought at my public library's bargain book sale.I'm so glad I did- I almost threw it back in the pile.The summary on the paperback edition was interesting, but really, a novel about a dead Italian Renaissance artist? *yawn*
After finishing the book in 2 sittings, I now know that I'd pay much more than $2.50 for a novel like this.I'm no art history (or general history) buff, but Irving Stone really made the time period- and the immortal Michelangelo- come alive.I'm sorry to use that cliche, but I can't think of a better description of The Agony and the Ectasy. Michelangelo's life and loves are beautifully drawn.The best parts, however, are the passages when the artist is creating his masterpieces.Irving Stone makes this fictional Michelangelo brim with passion and vitality.The character is so enthralled with his sculptures that the reader can't possibly remain dispassionate.I was tearing up when I read the description of his famous Pieta- the Virgin Mary holding the body of the dead Christ.(And it's not because I'm a religious nut, either- Stone's writing is JUST THAT GOOD).
This novel paints a different view of the Renaissance era.A time of violence, book-burning, and intolerance, to be sure, but also a time capable of splendor and magnificence.Irving Stone has certainly captured all of that. ... Read more

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hardcover book ... Read more

Product Description
An incisive study of the shaping influences on Michelangelo's creative and personal life: his father, Lodovico Buonarroti; his first patron, Lorenzo di Medici; and his greatest patron, Pope Julius II. Michelangelo Buonarroti was an unparalleled artist-painter, sculptor, architect, poet-who was regarded even in his own lifetime as divine. Here James Beck reveals how Michelangelo's interactions with three men determined his path from early childhood to the completion of the Sistine Chapel ceiling. His father, Lodovico, a stern man, instilled a powerful work ethic in Michelangelo, yet his criticism of his son's artistic calling left his son deprived of approval and love. Lorenzo di Medici, the forceful ruler of Florence, took the teenaged Michelangelo under his wing, raising him almost like one of his own sons in the artists' colony he established on his palace grounds. Already one of the most respected sculptors in the world and still in young manhood, Michelangelo was then sought out by Pope Julius II. Although Julius originally commissioned him to create his tomb, the artist's greatest project under his patronage was the Sistine Chapel ceiling in the Vatican. Rich in unusual details such as an unprecedented account of the sculpting of David, Michelangelo's most famous work, and the creation of the Sistine ceiling, Three Worlds of Michelangelo presents Michelangelo in fresh and vivid terms.Amazon.com Review
Few artists in the history of the world have attained themythic status of Michelangelo--painter of the heavenly Sistine Chapeland sculptor of the nearly divine David. And it is his toweringpresence that makes it so difficult to imagine the artist as aman. Art historian James Beck helps unlock the mystery of Michelangeloby opening the doors of the three very different worlds to which hebelonged. Michelangelo's father, his famous and influential patronLorenzo de Medici, and Pope Julius II who, according to Beck, forcedthe Sistine Chapel commission onto its now-famous painter, divided therule of these worlds between them and held powerful sway over theartist. Michelangelo left behind a fair amount of correspondence, uponwhich Beck heavily relies. But beyond that, there is a dearth ofreliable information about the subject. Michelangelo himself carefullyoversaw the contemporary biographies--selling 16th-century writers onthe notion that he was divinely preordained to become a renownedartist. Beck is clearly a careful researcher and he skillfullycombines the facts at hand and collateral information about the era torecreate the artist's world. He freely draws on this information toform opinions about his subject's sexuality, passion for his art, andrelationships to the powerful men in his life. He evokes, too, astrong visual sense of Michelangelo's environment--the Medici palacewhere he lived for a time, the Vatican of the Renaissance, theartist's own work. This is definitely a compelling story, but bear inmind that because of the distinct lack of reliable source material,this biography falls somewhere between fact and well-informedhistorical fiction. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

The Divine Mr. M
To start off, I can't believe this book is out of print already! I'd still like to write a review, because this is a very good book and perhaps the publisher will do a new hardcover print run or come up with a paperbackedition..... Mr. Beck is a professor of art history at Columbia Universityin New York City. One of the nice things about this book, though, is thatit is written for the layperson. It is not full of technical terms and artworld jargon. Even better, it is well written. Professor Beck has a verygood style of writing so the book flows along very smoothly. I think theauthor's intention was to balance out the popular picture of Michelangeloas a tortured, ill-mannered genius. Professor Beck shows him to be, in somerespects, a pretty regular fellow. For example, we find out that PopeJulius appreciated him for his ironic, sarcastic and apparently typicallyTuscan sense of humor. Michelangelo also was always very much a personconcerned with the well-being of his family. Although he never married andnever had any children he was deeply attached to his father and hisbrothers. Once he started to earn some money he was always very good abouthelping his family financially. One of the strong suits of this book isthat Professor Beck constantly shows us the humanity behind the artist.Although Michelangelo loved his father it is also true that his fathernever approved of his choice of career. An artist was not highly regardedback in those days and when Michelangelo decided to become a sculptor,well, that was even worse. Imagine going around with your clothes full ofmarble dust all the time! Michelangelo was always looking for approval fromhis father and he never got it. The book also covers Michelangelo'srelationship with Lorenzo The Magnificent and Pope Julius II. We get anespecially nicely rounded portrait of Julius as a warrior pope who was moreinterested in power and politics and women than in culture, but whonevertheless appreciated the talent of Michelangelo. He also had a fiercetemper and when Michelangelo answered the question, "When will theceiling of the Sistine Chapel be finished?" with "It'll be donewhen it is done..." threatened to have some lackeys go up and haveMichelangelo thrown off of the scaffolding! My only complaint with thisbook is that perhaps Professor Beck goes a little too far trying to portrayMichelangelo as a "nice" guy and basically somebody that reallyhad no faults whatsoever. But as I wrote near the start of this review Ithink the intent was to try to swing the pendulum the other way..... Still,this book is very good and well worth reading.

very informative look at artists life
James Beck has written a wonderful and easy read about the life of Michelangelo.By not focusing on details about Michelangelo's sex life, Beck has put a much needed focus back on the actual art work of the artist. Regardless of whether he was gay or straight, Michelangelo is a gifted andtalented artist who will be remembered for eternity.

Spoiled by homophobia
This biography might have been wonderful to me if it had not been spoiled by the author's foolish attempts to cast doubt on Michelangelo's homosexuality.This puts Beck into the same category with Irving Stone andCharlton Heston in The Agony and the Ecstasy.On the verge of the 21stCentury to get yet another book denying that there were any great gay menin history is simply not acceptable. ... Read more

Product Description
This work contains illustrations of all of Michelangelo's work, his paintings, sculpture and architecture, excluding his drawings. The text surveys the opinions of leading Michelangelo scholars and provides a commentary with bibliographical notes. The exhaustive selection of plates devoted to the paintings of the Sistine Chapel provides a record of their condition before the recent controversial cleaning. Ten of the plates show some of the paintings in their restored state. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

not colorful, but full of spirit
As the others said, the large and detailed photos are great.
The plates are black and white. I think this might be the very reason that this book is attractive to me. There are color photos of the Sistine inserted in the beginning, clearly by the editors -- the paintings were not renovated in the author's time. To me, and I believe to many others, the black-white photos capture the true spirit of Michelangelo's work more closer than the new vivid photos.
Sincerely, I consider this book as the best one of its kind.

Exellent Book to Study Sculptures!
This Book is a good value for sculptors and modelers for studying M's works. Each plate has a short description of each work. This book is a valuable reference to all artists in fine art and digital art.

Although the images are B&W it is a must have!!

Amazing Photography
This is an amazing book.The images are huge and extremly detailed.I am a novice sculptor so for me the close up shots of his work are an enormous benifit to my work.

Fabulous Detail
I love this book.It is one of my favorites.For a long time I had been looking for a book on Michelangelo that showed some nice closeups and detail of some of his sculpture work.This book has that.It would add nicely to the collection of any artist interested in Michelango.

comprehensive, but
..most of the plates are in black and white and not of a very high definition. i also wished for more detail plates of the major works.
still, though, a decent value for the price. ... Read more

Product Description
outstanding studies, including sketches for David, Sistine Ceiling, Last Judgment, etc. Nudes, figure studies, children, animals, mythical and religious works, more. New volume in Dover Art Library affords insight into mastery of proportion, anatomy, perspective, shading, contrast. Essential for artists, museum-goers.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Great for the price!!
This is a thin book with nothing but drawings(46 it says, I only count 43?? but thats ok), no words. Some drawings aren't anything special but there are some great drawings from some of his popular works and gives a hint to his creative process and the changes he made, which I enjoy seeing. For what this book cost (I paid a dollar or two for a used copy), it is totally worth it. Who better to learn from than the master.

Just like the title
This book is filled with Michelangelo life drawings, just like the title says.It delivers what it promises at a good value.

okay, not great
The images are not the highest quality, but if your goal is to get a taste, maybe to have something to copy to learn the style, this book will do fine, and it is not terribly expensive.

useless
What is the point of buying having the book when you can't even see it.The print quality of this book is so poor.The images are either too dark or just can't see at all.

Inexpensive renderings of classic drawings.
A good buy for any student of art or anatomy. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (2)

Not an Architect
Unless you're an archirect, which I am not, this a very difficult book to understand.The terminology is unique to architects, and without some explanation, the layman has no idea what the author is talking about.
I had expected more illustrations and photos of Michelangelo's works, and was disappointed with what I got.

The Architecture Michelangelo
Michelangelo Buonarroti is one of the most famous Italian artists in the whole world. I've already read books from the author: James S. Ackerman. and I can realy tell you he writes fantastically. This book is written in a specifical manner nearly in a "scientific" manner I must say. Itbrings up problems that at the time were Nudity etc. That in our days don'tcause problems as in the old days. It has a very specific content about artand how it was seen in the 1500 and how it is seen righht now. It is asolid book and I recomand it to each art lover. ... Read more

Product Description
Michelangelo was acutely conscious of living in an age of religious crisis and artistic change, and for him the two issues were related.Michelangelo and the Reform of Art explores Michelangelo's awareness of artistic tradition as a means of understanding his relation to the profound religious uncertainty of the sixteenth century.Concentrating on Michelangelo's lifelong preoccupation with the image of the dead Christ, Alexander Nagel studies the artist's associations with reform-minded circles in early sixteenth-century Italy, and reveals his sustained concern over the fate of religious art. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (6)

A Must Read
Biographies of Michelangelo have been written and rewritten by countless scholars up to this very day.If you want to get away from all the revisionist histories and psuedo-psychological mumbo-jumbo and read a bio written by someone who knew Michelangelo personally (Condivi was a student of the master's) then you simply must buy this book.It is on the short side, but no other biographer was this close to the man himself.Even Giorgio Vasari, the other contemporary Michelangelo biographer, rewrote large portions of his "Life of Michelangelo" to include details from Condivi's account.If you are at all interested in Michelangelo's life or art, this is the best place to start.HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Thank you
Condvi's biography of Michelangelo is a necessity for anyone studying the artist beyond a superficial level.I first looked for it in Italian in Rome.It is presently out of print there, but the shop attendant told me that it had been recently translated in English and printed by Penn State University.So I searched for it in the U.S. this summer but I couldn't find it in the bookshops there. either.I was so thankful to Amazon.com for giving me a way to purchase this beautiful, new and scholarly version.

A Treasure
If you have an interest in the Renaissance and its great artists BUY this book. The author was a friend of the Master and the reader gets a true sense of the man and the times he lived in.

Mixed feelings...
/The Life of Michelangelo/ by Ascanio Condivi is a classic, written by an associate of Michelangelo at his request during the master's lifetime. As such, it is essential reading for Michelangelo scholars and even university-level students seeking a period, primary source on the subject. However, the nature of the work means that it is tendentious and inspirational rather than rigorous. In the end, it does not contain the kind of information needed for serious research, especially if one is looking for one or two works that combine comprehensive biographical study and reproductions of Michelangelo's work.

Though binding quality is high and charming, this book is very small--merely several inches by several inches--andthin. It is short on reliable information (again, other than its roots in the period) and on examples of Michelangelo's work, both in quantity and in presentation (a 4X5 inch book hardly provides the format necessary for displaying the panoramas of the Sistine Chapel and the Pieta).

The Best Book I Ever Read
This was a wonderful book and even though it was translated it read smoothly and I woud recomend it to anyone ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (19)

Awe-inspiring photograhs
There are adventure stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats; romance novels that make fans daydream about that perfect moment with that special someone; and, mystery/thrillers that make readers leave the lights on at night. But only once in a great while does a book come long that is absolutely beautiful; a celebration of a life that was filled with so much creativity and passion for a particular field, that the story is a learning experience that's truly inspiring, and the pictures of works of art fill the reader with awe. This is one of those books...a book that deserves a well-thought-out essay far more than a four hundred word review.

Before he reached the age of thirty, Michelangelo had produced David, a sculpture that has become the very definition of the word genius. Like his fellow Florentine, DaVinci, Michelangelo was a literal star of the Renaissance in all areas of the art world, including painting, sculpting, draughtsman, and architect. He was a man born into a political family; his father was a magistrate for a term of one year and was ensconced in a social class very far up in the hierarchy of Europe. Using his family's social connections, Michelangelo became very popular, very fast.

From 1475-1491, he was quite an emancipated artist; he chose to do things his way in a world that was run by the powerful Medici family. His father was a Guelph, and sought to defend the city of Florence from the threat of foreign rule, even though his son began his career under the protection of Lorenzo de' Medici. As a young man, Michelangelo was a master of marble and produced The Battle of Hercules with the Centaurs that made his viewing public stand up and take notice. From there, he moved on to one of the most famous marble works of all time, the Pieta'. Here, was the first true masterpiece of his career; the figure of the Virgin Mother cradling her dearly departed son in her arms. Michelangelo even signed this particular sculpture, even though he rarely signed anything in his lifetime. Along the Virgin's breast is a band with his name chiseled in antique-style lettering; made during a moment in time when he believed he was an intermediary between the earthly and heavenly realms.

From 1501-1504, he spent his time in Florence, and David was born. The commission was acquired because others had tried and failed to carve that particular piece of marble into anything that was remotely usable. But Michelangelo lived his life "seeing" the figures encased in the marble just dying to get out and be set free, and he went to work to produce the beloved boy King who killed the mighty giant.

Michelangelo joined up with Julius II in order to create the ruler's tomb. They both owned unbending wills and the fights between the two men were legendary. From 1508-1512, while working and failing with Julius' ideas, he was commissioned to paint the Sistine Chapel. Cracks had formed from the structural problems of the building, and his frescoes from the lives of Moses and Jesus were so amazing that today, after all this time, it is still the most photographed "piece" of art in the world.

The section of this gorgeous book dealing with the Sistine Chapel is absolutely breath-taking. In fact, without seeing the Chapel, no human being will ever quite understand what one person is capable of creating. The Creation of Adam has been used in movies, books - exhibits across the globe - and it is truly enchanting to see on paper. The roots of humanity were given a world of their own inside that Chapel, and Michelangelo made a "point" with every scene he created.

Later in life, Michelangelo became the "architect." There are some absolutely amazing designs of the Laurentian Library and the New Sacristy/Medici Chapel that he created. The coving details, the strange staircases...everything that seemed to emerge from this man's brain were works of art.

Then came The Last Judgment. Inside the Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo returned, and created the large panel with the Redeemer at its' center, orchestrating and presiding over the fallen and the ascension of the forgiven. Charon's boat is on one side, as he ushers the sinful across the River Styx to a place of eternal punishment; and, Minos, the guardian of Hell stands...smiling...waiting for the ones his master can call his own. This is the one work of art that a human will never forget.

This celebration of life and work also offers some extremely fun facts about Michelangelo's past. One is when DaVinci and he were both commissioned to paint an episode from Florentine history. As they both moved in a different direction, they painted scenes of battle, as the two artistic "giants" competed for the palm. Fun fact number two was that there was a time when Michelangelo spent six months sitting in a quarry, choosing exactly the "right" pieces of marble with figures waiting to emerge from the great, stone slabs.

As his life came to a close, Michelangelo was found to have been a miser in most respects. He had a thirst for money and commissions, yet very rarely ate meals and refused to accept gifts from people because he was afraid of being permanently obligated to the giver. When he was finally laid to rest in Florence, he was given a saint's send-off. No one had surpassed him in the art world (and, frankly, no one has since). From the creation of marble sculptures to being chief architect on the project of St. Peter's, Michelangelo was, and still remains, the most amazing "creator of beauty" that the world will ever know.

Quill Says: There is so much - page after page - of awe-inspiring photographs and detailed information on this genius' life that all readers will want to bury themselves in this fantastic tome to immerse themselves in the amazing creations that Michelangelo gave to the world. This is not a book...this is a gift.

Michelangelo (Xl Series)
I received my book today and the only think I can says is it is fabulous!!!! You'll never going to see at his work as closely as in this book. I hope soon to have another book like this from Botticelli and Caravaggio.

An amazingly beautiful book
The book is a gift to my husband and this is his review: The research, the writing, the photos and the printing wonderfully exhibit Michelangelo's artistic and creative abilities, and prove that the Sistine Chapel is perhaps the most stunning art gallery. The book is well laid out with many double fold-out pages, and extreme close-ups. As a painter it gave me an in depth look at how he layered his color along with the use of outline. Michelangelo's work is staggering. And the story of this part of his life with all the intrusions and problems is captivating.

Michelangelo (XL Series)
This is a masterpiece!A beautifully illustrated and written book that will inspire everyone, even those not interested in reading or in Michelangelo.The cover is mesmerizing and will draw you to open the book.It makes a statement in your bookshelf or on your coffee table - a wonderful book for the creative person in your life.

Michelangelo
I thought the Michelangelo XL series book to be the next best thing from the actual Vatican.Its full of his famous works and true in colors just as I recall it to be. I'm very happy with my purchase from Amazon I've told all of my friends about this amazing book. ... Read more

Product Description
New ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Excellent work...sadly out of print
I just spoke to Michael Burban a few weeks ago, and am trying to convince him to release a new version of the book. He says he has learned much since he first wrote it, so the new book--if it ever comes out--should be exciting.

I searched the earth for this book
When I was very young, I borrowed this wonderful book from a Brooklyn Public Library.The Author, Michael Burban, was a student of Robert Beverley Hale, and in his footsteps, he taught through dissecting old master drawings.There was no greater draughtsman than Michelangelo.Imagine how much can be learned from when one of the most respected artists of the Students art League, picks apart the drawings of Michelangleo.Lessons from Michelangelo.The drawings are unparalled.Burban, chooses, old and late drawings that span the life of Michelangelo.Burban, starts out by pointing out the very basics of form, perspective, proportion, gesture, then delves into artistic anatomy, and finishes with some thoughts on drapery.It stresses discipline and basics, and doesn't sell any shortcuts.After keeping this book out of the library for quite some time, it was mistakenly returned.I searched the library for months, never to see it again.I ventured to the Students art league in NY, unfortunately Burban was awayfor that term. I contacted a used book specialist.Nearly two years passed, and I received a phone call, the book was found, the price was twice the retail, 75 dollars, what a deal.It was the easily the best book I ever bought.I love this book, it is one of only a few books which I can say has real sentimental value.In a way it changed my life.I appreciate Michelangelo and his beautiful drawings, in no small part, thanks to this book. I wish Burban would write another book, or at least that this book would see a reprint.If you ever have a chance to buy this book, don't think twice.Its a great book.

I searched the earth for this book
When I was very young, I borrowed this wonderful book from a Public Library in Brooklyn.The Author, Michael Burban, was a student of Robert Beverley Hale, and in his footsteps, he taught through dissecting old master drawings. There was no greater draughtsman than Michelangelo. Imagine how much can be learned when one of the most respected artists of the Students art League, picks apart the drawings of Michelangleo. Lessons from Michelangelo. The drawings are unparalled.

Burban, chooses, old and late drawings that span the life of Michelangelo. Burban, starts out by pointing out the very basics of form, perspective, proportion, gesture, then delves into artistic anatomy, and finishes with some thoughts on drapery. It stresses discipline and basics, and doesn't sell any shortcuts.

After keeping this book out of the library by renewing it for quite some time, my mother, bless her heart did me a favor andmistakenly returned it. I returned and searched the library for months, never to see it again. I even attempted to go to the source and ventured to the Students art league in NY, hoping to buy an extra copy from the author -unfortunately Burban was away for that term.I contacted a used book specialist and asked them to track down a copy of this book which had made such an impression on me.Nearly two years passed, one day I received a phone call, the book was found, the price was twice the retail, 75 dollars.I was still young and poor, but I didn't think twice about buying it.It was the easily the best book I ever bought.

I love this book, it is one of only a few books which I can say has real sentimental value. In a way it changed my life. I appreciate Michelangelo and his beautiful drawings, in no small part, thanks to this book. I wish Burban would write another book, or at least that this book would see a reprint, so others too can appreciate it. If you ever have a chance to buy this book, don't hesitate.
Its a great book. ... Read more

Product Description
In this masterly, Howard Hibbard relates Michelangelo's art to his life and to the times in which he lived, relying on the earliest biographies and the latest scholarly research as well as on Michelangelo's own letters and poems. What emerges is both a perspective appraisal of his work and a revealing life history of the man who was arguably the greatest artist of all time. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

THE Basic Guide to Michelangelo and His Art

If you were to read only one text dealing with the great Michelangelo and his art, this would be the book.It is a succinct biography in which one also finds clear and well chosen discussions of the artistic works of the great Florentine.It would be fair to say that Professor Hibbard is a graceful guide to these works--he shows us the key elements of the sculpture, painting and architecture that made Michelangelo the preeminent figure of the Renaissance.And he presents them to us as the artist's life unfolds, so that we can understand the challenges met and problems solved at various stages in Michelangelo's development.

The book is filled with a large number of black and white photographs as well as plans and drawings which, together, help the reader understand each of the works being discussed.Indeed, the reader would be hard pressed to find more than a handful of opposing pages that do not have one or more illustrations.For those who are so inclined and long to see more of each work, they are titled so clearly that a quick search on line can bring plenty more to look at.But the illustrations provided in the book are more than sufficient for the reader's understanding.

If you are looking for a shocking expose of Michelangelo the man, with all of his secrets revealed (warts and all!), then you do not want to read this book.Professor Hibbard discusses Michelangelo's personality and personal life in detail, but always in the context of his creations.He writes with a deft and gentlemanly reserve that allows the reader to accept the facts without drawing unreasonable conclusions.

The conversations about the well-known works - the Pieta, the David, the Sistine Chapel ceiling and Last Judgment - are all clear and helpful.The on and off again relationships with various Medici and Popes provides a helpful understanding of how and why some of the artist's projects were unfinished, or completed in terms altogether different from their conception.

The discussions of the architectural contributions of Michelangelo are very good, and provide the reader with an appreciation of the sculptural qualities of these larger than life sculptures.Indeed, Hibbard's discussion of the Bibliotheca Laurenziana stairway and St Peter's are the best sort of architectural criticism to be found anywhere.

At the end of the book, but separate from the extensive bibliography, is a section called "Notes for Further Reading", which, if followed, could benefit the reader who wants to know more.

If you find this review hepful, why not read some of my other reviews!Happy reading!

A Great book on a great artist
There is probably no greater art historian in the second half of the 20th century than Howard Hibbard and this book is one of his best. Professor Hibbard, who has also written books on Caravaggio and a study of Poussin turns his attention to Michelanglo. This is not a rehash of The Agony and Ecstasy, Professor Hibbard's interest is in the work and the artist and not a study of the outward events of this great artist's life.I found Professor Hibbord's criticism insightful and interesting. I recommend this to anyone who is interested in the renaissance.

A good survey of the artist's life and works
In _Michelangelo_, Hibbard presents a unbiased account of Michelangelo's life in an enjoyable mix of historical narravitve and critical and contextual analysis.The writing is approachable with a minimum of high-brow art jargon.Hibbard also refrains from diving too deep intospeculation about fine points such as sexuality and politics.This book issuited for those desiring an end-to-end introduction to the man and hisart, or for those who have forgotten 90% of art survey 101, like me. ... Read more

Product Description
Discusses the life and art of the Renaissance sculptor, poet, and painter. Includes color and black and white reproductions of many of his works. ... Read more