Michelangelo and the Pope's Ceiling

Rating:
Summary: Michelangelo, Raphael and NO IMAGES
Review: The tale of Michelangelo and the pope's ceiling is well written if somewhat disconnected in parts. I truly enjoyed the story, even though it was a bit dry and lacking in available primary source material. But, what really annoyed me about the book (and also Picasso's War) is the lack of images. The color images of the Sistine Chapel's ceiling are small (an understatment). There are more-than-adequate images available on each panel, let alone the entire ceiling. Why are they not used. King speaks for pages about Raphael's 'School of Athens' but we only see the cartoon/drawing, not the painting. One should not be expected to sit with an art history text while reading the book !!

Rating:
Summary: Understanding Michaelangelo's creation
Review: This well written and researched book tells the story of how, why and when Michaelangelo painted the ceiling the Sistine Chapel. The book proves to be extremely easy to read, understand and to appriecated because the author managed to amalgamate all elements that went into this tale. Everything from Pope Julius II's warmongering Papal policies and the love/hate relationship he had with Michaelangelo, enemies of both men and how they influence the project as well as Michaelangelo's personal life. The author put all these different tales together to woven an easy to follow book that fantastically tell an amazing story behind the painting of the Sistine Chapel's ceiling. A feat considered by many to be one of the finest works of art.

I think the book only real weakness lies in the the lack of illustratons on Michaelangelo's Sistine Chapel works. It would be nice if we had a close-up look at what was being painted instead of just a big overall view.

A book well worth reading and learning from.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful
Review: Wonderful book about Italy during the Rennaisance. Michaelangelo, Pope Julius II, and all the other artists, architects, and players of the period all come to life! I can't wait to read Brunelleschi' Dome next!!!