This is my favorite novel of all time! I have been an avid reader of novels for 28 years, so that is quite the compliment. As I was reading I felt like I had come to know Michelangelo, the man, on a personal level. The way Stone described Michelango carving made me want to pick up a piece of marble and give carving a whirl. I can't imagine the research that went into producing this book. This is a very long novel and if you have no interest in history, Italy or art it may be difficult to get through. But because I love this book so much it would be very hard for me to comprehend that not everyone would love it as much as I do. If you have any interest in reading historical fiction The Agony and the Ecstasy is a must read!

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Well written and absorbing! I loved the historical detail in this book! Irving managed to make the characters come alive yet still maintained historical integrity.

Enough to keep you fascinated til the last page!

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It's been months since I had the time for any reading. In fact, I was nearly finished with The Agony and the Ecstasy when the job started, and though I finished it shortly thereafter it has been a long time since I've posted here, so this review is long overdue.

All I can do now is recommend this book highly, particularly if you're a student of the arts or an artist.

Stone's research is good, and though I cannot tell you where he veered into fiction, I can tell you that I enjoyed this work a lot.

Michaelangelo is one of my favorites, and an inspiration to me as a sculptor. I learned a lot about him and his time from this book, and highly recommend it.

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I was familiar with this book but then saw the title on the discussion page as an all time favorite. I would agree. Very readable! It puts Michaelangelo in a time period, a church period, and artist period. Although fiction,the book is a wonderful background for Italy, Tuscany, Florence and Rome.

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A classic! I read it the first time I traveled to Florence; a great accompaniment

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I never did finish this, but enjoyed the first half at least.

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Loved this book. Rich in detail and well written.

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Fascinating book about Michelangelo's life, and the events of his time. Made a trip to Italy come alive!

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One of my all time favorite books. Too bad I picked it up after my trip to Italy. Makes me want to go back.....

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