Customer Reviews

The World of Michelangelo, 1475-1564

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Don't look down it just because it's part of a series form Time-Life books. You can easily find it from different libraries.

I did a 10 page michelangelo paper, mainly focus on his relationship with the papacy and the influense of such relationship. I have read, oh probably 5-6 different books about him and I think this is the best.

The problem with the newer biography is that there are sooo many Michelangelo bio that the newers one are busy arguing with them. Robert Coughlan seem to be a genuine Michelangelo fan, which to me is a minimum requirement. There are a lot of topic like his sexuality, his relationship with his father and all the fun with Leonardo this book has a more compact and clearer description.

Only thing I'm missing the relationship with Savonarola, and how much his idea compliment Michelangelo's neoplatonic ideal. The later years is lacking though. The later part of the book totally turn into discussion of his architechtures, which I don't care much about.

The thing about Michelangelo is that he has become insanely famous and important when he still has 40 years to go. The celebrity really effect how he does his later works. I don't know if the book discuss much about the quote "My celebrity has ruined my life." Not that I believe this quote, but I really want to know more about last few years of his life and how they bury them. I still havn't figure out why they keep ridiculous amount of his letters *contracts* *receipts* and everything. Incredible.

CY

As expected of a book in the Time Life family, this provides a good overview for the layman. In simple language it gives you what you need to know with beautiful glossy illustrations.

The style is corporate. It reads as though a committee of editors pruned all personality from the text. Being a 1966 title, when there were still editors who actually edited, this is probably true.

It was just what I needed to bring together the slivers of information on the time that I've acquired from more specialized books. I recommend it for others general readers who need an overview.