This major new biography recounts the extraordinary life of one of
the most creative figures in Western culture, weaving together the
multiple threads of Michelangelo's life and times with a
brilliant analysis of his greatest works. The author retraces
Michelangelo's journey from Rome to Florence, explores his
changing religious views and examines the complicated politics of
patronage in Renaissance Italy. The psychological portrait of
Michelangelo is constantly foregrounded, depicting with great
conviction a tormented man, solitary and avaricious, burdened with
repressed homosexuality and a surplus of creative enthusiasm.
Michelangelo's acts of self-representation and his pivotal
role in constructing his own myth are compellingly unveiled.

Antonio Forcellino is one of the world's leading
authorities on Michelangelo and an expert art historian and
restorer. He has been involved in the restoration of numerous
masterpieces, including Michelangelo's Moses. He combines his
firsthand knowledge of Michelangelo's work with a lively
literary style to draw the reader into the very heart of
Michelangelo's genius.

Antonio Forcellino is an Art Historian and Restorer.