The Agony and the Ecstasy
The Agony and the Ecstasy
Book Brief
Beta776
Novel • Fiction
Italy • Renaissance
1961
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Irving Stone's The Agony and the Ecstasy is a biographical novel that explores the life of artist Michelangelo Buonarroti, detailing his struggles, creative process, and achievements during the Renaissance. The narrative focuses on Michelangelo’s experiences as he works on significant art pieces and navigates relationships with various historical figures.
Reviews & Readership
93,220 ratings
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Mixed feelings
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Review Roundup
The Agony and the Ecstasy by Irving Stone is a detailed and evocative biographical novel that vividly immerses readers in Michelangelo's life. Praised for its historical accuracy and rich descriptions, it occasionally suffers from a slow narrative pace. Nevertheless, it remains a compelling portrayal of artistic passion and dedication.
Who Should Read The Agony and the Ecstasy?
Readers who enjoy historical novels and biographical fiction will find The Agony and the Ecstasy by Irving Stone captivating. Fans of Ron Chernow's Alexander Hamilton or Robert Graves' I, Claudius will appreciate Stone’s detailed portrayal of Michelangelo's life, blending historical facts with compelling narrative.
93,220 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Agony and the Ecstasy is a biographical novel about the life of Michelangelo Buonarroti, showcasing Irving Stone's dedication to historical accuracy, which included extensive research and living in Italy for months to study the setting and culture.
The novel's title, The Agony and the Ecstasy, highlights the juxtaposition of the immense physical and emotional challenges Michelangelo faced with the profound joy and satisfaction he found in his art.
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To capture the essence of Michelangelo's time, Irving Stone incorporated authentic dialogues and interactions with prominent historical figures, derived from Michelangelo's extensive surviving letters and historical documents.
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776
Novel • Fiction
Italy • Renaissance
1961
Adult
18+ years
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