• The Agony and the Ecstasy

  • A Biographical Novel of Michelangelo
  • By: Irving Stone
  • Narrated by: Arthur Morey
  • Length: 33 hrs and 54 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (1,375 ratings)

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The Agony and the Ecstasy  By  cover art

The Agony and the Ecstasy

By: Irving Stone
Narrated by: Arthur Morey
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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

What listeners say about The Agony and the Ecstasy

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A beautiful story

Wonderfully told story about a genius in a time fraught with change
History come to life with Mr. Stone's words.

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10 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Amazing, no detail left unwritten

This audiobook was awesome. It’s long, but gives you such an interesting perspective on Michelangelo’s life. I learned things about him that I didn’t know, like that he was a poet and was made head architect for St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. The narrator took me a little to get used to. He definitely doesn’t speak Italian and wasn’t always great with the pronunciation, but overall was good. This audiobook is worth the listen!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

I feel like I know Michelangelo now

I just finished rereading the Agony and Ecstasy in preparation for my upcoming trip to Italy. I first read it during high school as a school assignment. I knew I needed to re-read it before I went to Italy so I would be more familiar with the art and places of Italy. It helped me to get to know Italy and Michelangelo. He has so many wonderful works and it's interesting to hear the background behind the creation of each of them. I was surprised that he lived to be such an old man. No wonder he was able to do so much! What a tireless worker! There is some sensuality and sex, but it is mild and not too graphic.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Amazing book / Fantástico livro

A delightful book, to enjoy end to end!!
Um delicioso livro, para aproveitar do início ao fim!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Outstanding!

One of the most enjoyable books I have ever read. so well developed, I thought I was there!
Going to Italy in several weeks. Can’t wait to see the body of work in real form. Thank you to the narrator; wonderful job!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Una vida única

Una obra maestra ! Te lleva de la mano con pasión durante todo el libro, lo que hace difícil dejarlo a un lado !

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Amazing!

Best book ever read, it is a must! You live eat, feel his life and the ERA!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Brings the Master to life

This book is a must read for anyone interested in the life and work of Michelangelo Buonarrotti.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Engaging Performance of an Inspired Story

I enjoy Stone's historical stories and the context of the biographies. Beautiful performance by narrator.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Great story. Disliked the reader A LOT!

I enjoyed the story. Great research. I couldn’t stand the reader. His voice sounded like an angry old man regardless if he was trying to voice a young character. His imitation of voices was a disaster. I was glad when it was over.

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