Nonfiction/Biography Review - Michelangelo By Diane Stanley

Bibliography
Stanley, D. 2000. Michelangelo. New York: HarperCollins Publishers. ISBN 0688150861

Plot Summary
Diana Stanley’s Michelangelo depicts the life of one of the greatest artists of all time. From birth to death, Michelangelo’s personality, personal struggles, and accomplishments are brilliantly chronicled. The dynamic narrative is accompanied by beautiful illustrations of Michelangelo’s most recognizable pieces, such as the Sistine Chapel and the sculpture of David.

Critical Analysis
Stanley’s use of a conversational style in this biography appeals to a variety of young readers. Her application of accuracy is evident in her portrayal of the Renaissance way of life. A detailed map and background information is provided at the opening of Stanley’s book, creating a feeling for what is to be expected throughout the true story. The author also provides a bibliography filled with sources that validate her facts as well as providing a list of additional texts for the reader. Stanley delves deep into Michelangelo’s personality, even exposing the shocking side of the artist that many do not know about. “Perhaps it was just as well that Michelangelo worked by himself most of the time, for he didn’t have a gift for making friends…Torrigiano recalled later with relish, ‘I gave him such a punch on the nose that I felt the bone and cartilage crush like a biscuit.’” Stanley informs the reader on several important people that Michelangelo worked with during his lifetime, such as when he studied poetry, science, art and philosophy under Lorenzo de’ Medici. Stanley enlightens the reader on the grizzly techniques Michelangelo studied in order to become such an accomplished sculptor. “He spent hours there dissecting bodies, memorizing the origins and insertions of the muscles, the positions of tendons and veins.” The Sistine Chapel, perhaps Michelangelo’s most prominent and celebrated piece of art, is very visible in this biography. Stanley explains how Michelangelo approached his painting and how his style actually changed throughout the endeavor. “To study the Sistine ceiling is to watch a genius learning how to paint.” This line suggests that even the famous Michelangelo was still learning and experimenting during this daunting process.

The books design and style undoubtedly portrays Italian life during the Renaissance. Full page photos of Michelangelo’s art as well as drawings, and water color paintings provide a true depiction of the Italian Renaissance. Stanley’s marriage of colloquial dialect and eye-catching illustrations allow the reader to learn about one of the greatest artists of all time.

Review Excerpts
Publishers Weekly
“Returning to the Italian Renaissance, she looks at Michelangelo: "In an age of great artists, he was perhaps the greatest," she posits, pointing to his masterpieces in the three major artsAsculpture, painting and architecture. Her panoramic telling of his life story, fascinating in and of itself, also illuminates papal politics, the machinations of the Medicis, the technical difficulties of painting the Sistine Chapel ceiling (an assignment so unpleasant that Michelangelo thought his rival Bramante had put the pope up to it), the heady climate of Florence and other complex topics.”
Booklist
“Stanley continues her series of outstanding biographies, but this time she puts a new twist on some venerable art by using computer images. One of the most pleasing things about Stanley's books is the way her sturdy texts stand up to her strong artwork.”

Connections
Biographies can be interesting and exhilarating reading material. Students should be encouraged to write biographies on family members, friends, or even their pets! They should incorporate their sources of information, as well as an accurate chronological account of the person or animal they are writing about. Illustrations can be used such as photos drawings, or paintings.
Additional recommended books:
Bard of Avon: The Story of William Shakespeare by Diane Stanley
ISBN 0688162940
Good Queen Bess: The Story of Elizabeth I of England by Diane Stanley
ISBN 0688179614
Joan of Arc by Diane Stanley
ISBN 0064437485