Michelangelo

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Stanley, Diane. 2003. MICHELANGELO. New York, NY: HarperCollins. ISBN 0-06-052113-9

2.SUMMARY
Diane Stanley tells the life story of Michelangelo Buonorrati chronologically. His parents and family are briefly described as are the circumstances that led and allowed him to study art seriously. All of his major artistic achievements are detailed along with the reasons for their creation and some readers may be surprised to know that many of his artistic work was produced under the direct order of the pope. The book also covers important events of the Renaissance and post Renaissance times especially as they cause changes in Michelangelo’s life. The events of his life, told in broad strokes with enough detail to be tantalizing, provide a clear anchor for the huge history altering experiences of the Renaissance.

3.CRITICAL ANALYSIS
In this completely engaging picture book biography, Diane Stanley uses direct quotes from Michelangelo’s letters to friends to bring his personality and intentions, worries and concerns to the forefront. An entire picture of the author as a human being is developed, with faults and virtues. Readers learn that Michelangelo was not a friendly man, that he was not concerned with material items or wealth, that most of the money he earned went to support his family and that he never married but considered art his wife. All major events of his life are covered in this story which flows incredibly well from his childhood to death.

The book is extraordinarily attractive. Stanley’s computer edited photographs of Michelangelo’s work is much more interesting as a complement to the text than just standard photography of his work. Stanley includes an illustration showing how Michelangelo painted the Sistine Chapel (standing up) along with other pieces of juicy information about his other major works. The chronological organization makes the subject easier to understand for young minds. Fresh writing and unusual illustrations make this one biography to keep in your library.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
*Top Ten Youth Art Books- Booklist (2000)
*Best Books 2000 – School Library Journal
Horn Book Guide - Stanley captures in words and pictures the essence of Michelangelo, man of the Renaissance--sculptor, painter, architect. Information is presented in an engaging manner with details selected not only to reveal the subject's character but also to whet the reader's interest.
Booklist – “…she tells the story of Michelangelo's turbulent life in a style that is so readable, and occasionally so colloquial, that even children not readily interested in the subject will be drawn in.”

5. CONNECTIONS
This effective book can launch young readers into a serious study of the Renaissance.
Stanley, Diane. LEONARDO DI VINCI. ISBN 0688161553
Quigley, Mary. RENAISSANCE. ISBN 1403406081