The Agony and the Ecstasy by Irving Stone
>> Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Genre: Fictionalized Biography
Publication Date: 1961
Pages: 758
Challenges: Decades 08 #11 (1960’s), Chunkster Challenge 2008 #3
This is what Irving Stone described as a “biographical novel” of Michelangelo. This book definitely took some time investment at 12 days to read, but I really did enjoy it. I think Irving Stone was one of the authors that first got me interested in historical fiction. His ‘biographical novels’ of Mary Todd Lincoln (Love is Eternal) and Jessie Benton Fremont (Immortal Wife) were books I read and liked when I was in High School.
I’m actually glad I didn’t read this story of Michelangelo when I was in High School. I spent a semester in Rome when I was in college so when the book described the sculptures, frescoes and buildings it was things I’ve now seen in person. That made them so much more meaningful to me. I remember that one day a couple of friends and I got to the Vatican Museum before it opened and then raced to the Sistine Chapel so we could be there with no one else in the chapel to just absorb it. I’d seen it a couple of times already, but the opportunity to be there with only two or three other people in the room was an incredible experience.
This book is fiction, but extensively researched (as are Stone’s other books), the story picks up when Michelangelo was 13 and just becoming an apprentice to a painter in Florence. The story of his artworks and his ongoing battles and frustrations with several Popes covers just an amazing period in history. It’s amazing how much happened during his lifetime in art, politics, and religion.
If you’re a fan of Michelangelo’s work, then I do recommend this book. It’s a chunkster, but one I enjoyed very much.
No stars – I couldn’t even finish it
1 star – I didn’t like it but I managed to finish it.
2 stars – It was OK. Not good, but seriously just OK.
3 stars - I liked it. I didn’t think it was great, but I thought it was good entertainment.
4 stars – I really liked it. I really think you might like it too.
5 stars – It was amazing. I’d recommend this to just about anyone.
11 comments:
You just added 3 books to my TBR with this one review! Shame on you. LOL! I haven't read any Irving Stone before, thanks for the wonderful review.
Teddy: hee hee - I think it's called payback ;-) Irving Stone's heyday was the 1960's so most of his stuff isn't on current bookstore shelves.
I read this after visiting Rome, and loved it. A huge, involving read.
I've had this and A Lust for Life on my shelves for YEARS!! I really must make the time to read both of them.
Hi Suzi-you asked for the Chicken Soup Recipe. It is really easy. I took some chicken breasts and boiled then until they were done. I put sea salt, fresh ground pepper and garlic salt w/parsley in the boiling water. While the chicken was cooking I cut up celery, carrots and onion. I also used the celery leaves on the stalks. I took the chicken out to cool on a platter and added the veggies to the water. I added a little more sea salt, garlic powder and fresh ground pepper. Once the chicken cooled I pulled it into chunks. Once the veggies were cooked I added the chicken and egg noodles. I boiled everything until the noodles where just right. I make this soup the day before so the flavors have a chance to soak through the soup. Hope you enjoy it!
Hi SuziQ. Loved your comment on my blog about the ax-murderer. My mother is quite convinced that you are NOT one. It was delightful visiting with you in Powells.
I know you said you weren't the photographer that Les and Bookfool are, but I thought you'd still like to do a fun picture meme, so I tagged you. It's fun, quick and easy, but don't feel like you have to do it. You can see the short rules HERE. As you can see from my photos I'm not such a hot photographer myself.
Girl Detective: I think it's just that much more enjoyable after seeing his works in person.
Les: Lust for Life is about Van Gogh, right? One of these days I need to read that one too.
Sherri: thanks!!
Booklogged: LOL - your Mom is such a sweetie - I'm so glad I met you guys. I'll have to take a look at my picture files - that meme looks like fun. I may post my response on my Other Stuff blog, though.
Yes, it is (about van Gogh).
How lucky that you got to meet Booklogged!!
Les - Yes it was very cool to meet Booklogged (and her husband and mom too!) She was in town so naturally we arranged to meet at Powells!
You are so much tougher than I am. I'm not sure I could get through over 700 pages, but I might have to some day. It sounds awesome.
Bookfool: I know the length automatically excludes it from lots of folks' TBR lists, but I like the fat books.
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