Quotes from book
The Agony and the Ecstasy

Name: The Agony and the Ecstasy
Author: Irving Stone

The Agony and the Ecstasy is a biographical novel of Michelangelo Buonarroti written by American author Irving Stone. Stone lived in Italy for years visiting many of the locations in Rome and Florence, worked in marble quarries, and apprenticed himself to a marble sculptor. A primary source for the novel is Michelangelo's correspondence, all 495 letters of which Stone had translated from Italian by Charles Speroni and published in 1962 as I, Michelangelo, Sculptor. Stone also collaborated with Canadian sculptor Stanley Lewis, who researched Michelangelo's carving technique and tools. The Italian government lauded Stone with several honorary awards for his cultural achievements highlighting Italian history.

“To try to understand another human being, to grapple for his ultimate depths, that is the most dangerous of human endeavors.”

Irving Stone book The Agony and the Ecstasy

Source: The Agony and the Ecstasy

“One should not become an artist because he can, but because he must. It is only for those who would be miserable without it.”

Irving Stone book The Agony and the Ecstasy

Source: The Agony and the Ecstasy

“Talent is cheap; dedication is expensive. It will cost you your life.”

Irving Stone book The Agony and the Ecstasy

Source: The Agony and the Ecstasy

“It's freezing up here. What did you use to keep warm?"
"Indignation," said Michelangelo. "Best fuel I know. Never burns out.”

Irving Stone book The Agony and the Ecstasy

Source: The Agony and the Ecstasy