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

Don't go to Italy without reading this!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

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.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Agony and the Ecstasy?

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.

Great look in to this great artist's life

Where does The Agony and the Ecstasy rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I thought this was a very good view and perspective in to the man, the politics and the Catholic church. Eye opening and a great read.

Loved this book

Would you listen to The Agony and the Ecstasy again? Why?

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.

A classic

Michelangelo is one of the greats. This impeccable and well-paced narration by Morey is an excellent way to appreciate Irving Stone's simply beautiful writing.

Transformative and insightful

You could easily take a basic college art history course from reading this book. The amount of historical data is astounding. The other gives you an amazing transformative view of what it was like to create art back in the 1500s. During the time I read this book I would have dreams of sculpting marble and making beautiful charcoal drawings. It fed the artist in me.

Epic biography. Must read for all Art History enthusiasts

I studied the Italian Renaissance in college almost 50 years ago. Due to professional school I never found the time to sit down and read The Agony and the Ecstasy and now that I had a chance to listen to it it was something I should of tackled years ago. This is the perfect biography to help fill-in and round out one's understanding of Michelangelo his storyand his impact. Beautifully written a classic and something that one needs to find a time to either sit down and read or listen to in the car. It may be long but I was only disappointed when the 38th hour was over and I could no longer listen to Irving stone. A must-read. Don't think about it, just buy this book!

Superb

I absolutely fell in LOVE with Michaelangelo! I would recommend this book to anyone considering a vacation in Italy. I learned SO much and enjoyed every minute of it!

love this book!

Would you listen to The Agony and the Ecstasy again? Why?

I already have....fantastic for me as I am painter of classical realism. Inspiring!!!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Michaelangelo and Lorenzo de medici....a tie! Michaelangelo's passion to be the best that he could be and his level of perfection was so inspiring for me as I sometimes think I ruin things as I try to be perfect in my own paintings. His dedication to standing his ground to his beliefs and did whatever it took to learn and be the best of his ability is a lesson for all of us in the 21st century! Lorenzo...wish he could be my mentor. His respect for art and humanist behavior is a much needed trait for people today. His philanthropy to artists reminds me of a teacher I was lucky enough to have. Lorenzo...being a patron of the arts for the humanism and level of quality and creativity in art forms made me wish I could have been in the Medici house under his mentorship.

What about Arthur Morey’s performance did you like?

His understanding of the humanist character and the passion of an artist is very obvious in the tone of his voice. His tones make Michaelangelo not a god but a normal human being that was sensitive to to love and intentional hurt towards his being. I hope to listen to Arthur Money again, and I have rewound this book to hear his performance again. There is not one inflection or tone between the characters he portrays that seems in authentic.

If you could take any character from The Agony and the Ecstasy out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Michaelangelo...to pick his brain about anatomy, action and passvity of the gestural action of the human body. Also, I would love to ask him how one such as he could not eat, shower, and what was the driving force that kept him inspired like a fire under his belly no matter what happened to him in life.

Any additional comments?

My favorite story besides Carravaggio!

A great read.

The text is excellent well worth the time invested. The narrator is wonderful. I look forward to returning to Italy again and seeing these works of art with new eyes and thoughts.

Wonderful!

I know Florence well and Rome pretty much. I loved this story about a magnificent human being and probably the most amazingly creative . So well written and I believe, if not completely true, true in its essence.