The Agony and The Ecstasy is a biographical novel about the famous Renaissance artist and poet, Michelangelo Buonnarroti.

Stone's flawless attention to both historical detail and engaging narrative make this one of the most read books on my personal bookshelf- right next to Mr. Gaiman's American Gods, and Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

Seriously, if you are interested in Michelangelo, or his remarkably interesting and engaging life, pick up Stone's book. First published in the 70's- It's arguably the best novel written about the Florentine "Scultore".
(It was made into a sub-standard movie in the 70's or 80's... it's not bad.. but not that great either..)

(Lovely has a RIDICULOUSLY huge soft spot for Michelangelo,and Renaissance art and history- seriously, that's what she's studying in college)