The Sistine Secrets: Michelangelo's Forbidden Messages in the Heart of the Vatican (Hardcover)

by Benjamin Blech (Author), Roy Doliner (Author)
Key Phrases: warrior pope, one true church, ceiling project, Sistine Chapel, Pope Julius, The Last Judgment (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"Just as the work of Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel changed forever the world of art, so will this book change forever the way to view and, above all, to understand the work of Michelangelo!" -- Enrico Bruschini, Official Art Historian for the U.S. Embassy in Rome

"This book of astounding revelations is built on careful scholarship, lucid exposition, and it is, above all, compelling reading." -- Jonathan Harr, author of the New York Times bestsellers The Lost Painting and A Civil Action

"…(a) fascinating study of the Sistine Chapel. […] Like the best art historians, the authors give us a fresh context for the times, never hesitating to make contemporary parallels. […]This is a stimulating exploration that makes familiar masterpieces seem strange and new." -- Los Angeles Times

Review
"Fascinating.... Benjamin Blech and Roy Doliner appear to have few equals when it comes to the history and detail of the fresco.... a readable and informative piece of work." (Manchester Evening News (U.K.) )

"The journey of analysis of the complex images rewards the reader with many profound insights about the artwork and the complex nature of Michelangelo's ideas....fascinating and engaging!" (The Jewish Press )

"Just as the work of Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel changed forever the world of art, so will this book change forever the way to view and, above all, to understand the work of Michelangelo!" (Enrico Bruschini, Official Art Historian for the U.S. Embassy in Rome )

".(a) fascinating study of the Sistine Chapel. [.] Like the best art historians, the authors give us a fresh context for the times, never hesitating to make contemporary parallels. [.]This is a stimulating exploration that makes familiar masterpieces seem strange and new." (Los Angeles Times )

"This book of astounding revelations is built on careful scholarship, lucid exposition, and it is, above all, compelling reading." (Jonathan Harr, author of the New York Times bestsellers The Lost Painting and A Civil Action )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 336 pages
• Publisher: HarperOne; First Printing edition (April 29, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061469041
• ISBN-13: 978-0061469046
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.8 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (43 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #132,966 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #26 in	Books > History > Europe > Vatican
  #79 in	Books > History > World > Renaissance
  #80 in	Books > Arts & Photography > Religious

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Time well spent, May 6, 2008

By	Einat Lisa Day "Lisa Einat" (Cincinnati) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I saw the 20/20 Special and was intrigued.

The scholars interviewed seemed open to at least some of the ideas. (And where they weren't, or expressed doubt, I thought the evidence could go either way).

Since I also felt the authors came off well, I spent Sunday reading the book.

Time well spent.

It was smart, insightful, and eye opening.

You don't have to agree with every conclusion to walk away convinced of many, and having learned a lot.

It's a fascinating book and topic and I would encourage everyone to read the book and draw your own conclusion...the summaries, mine or anyone else's, don't nearly do this book justice.

37 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Surprising and Fun, May 6, 2008

By	M. Bortz (Atlanta) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I love the history of art and I am often fascinated by both the psychology of the artists in renaissance Italy as well as intricate geopolitical backdrop in which this particular work was ensconced. The authors do an incredible job of painstakingly detailing the historical veracity of their claims, which to be honest I was skeptical about before reading the book.

Their discoveries are enlightening, entertaining and not the least bit shocking. I applaud them for tackling such a controversial topic with scholarly aplomb. To the critics who harp on minor points or site comparisons to the Da Vinci Code, I would firstly recommend actually reading the book, and second I would point out that this work sites references for all claims which can, with a bit of time and effort on your part, be easily corroborated. Its easy to throw stones from the peanut gallery, a bit more challenging to open your mind to these new and exciting ideas.

A most thoroughly enjoyable and enlightening read.

23 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Innovative, May 6, 2008

By	Steinerman Rona (New York, NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The authors have done a fantastic job presenting material-whether one agrees or disagrees-that is both eye-opening and informative. The cross-section of art and religion is well-known but this book takes it to another level. Read the book and draw your own conclusions. The book cover is spectacular!