Mar 16, 2004 01:53 PM
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(Updated Mar 16, 2004 01:53 PM)
I read Stone's book ''Lust for Life'' first upon the recommendation of a friend who has a taste for soul-elevating literature. No doubt, I came out impressed, head to toe. This prompted me to read this book, his other work. I am not at all disappointed.
Agony and Ecstasy is another classic from Irving Stone. This book describes the life of Italian painter and sculptor Michelangelo. A very beautiful narration makes the painter come live before your eyes. Stone has this uncanny ability to travel back in time and write about people as though they lived today. Truly remarkable.
This book describes the life and aspirations, frustrations and ecstasy of this man Michelangelo, his struggle with the powers that be, with his fellow painters, with life and love et al. This book gives an insight into what the life of a painter or sculptor possessed with an explosion of creative energy.
The life in the Medieval times are portrayed in all its varied hues.
The author writes in lucid yet powerful prose, eminently lovable. This book could be a prelude to the even more powerful bombshell from Stone, about Vincent Van Gogh's life in Lust for Life. I believe one should read this book first and then go to Lust for Life.
I respect Irving Stone as an author of rare ability, penetrating into the life of people separated from him in time and space. He has done a major contribution to English language by his books.
This book is pure time travel.