The Sistine Secrets

Michelangelo's Forbidden Messages in the Heart of the Vatican

By: Benjamin Blech, Roy Doliner

Narrated by: James Cameron Stewart

Five hundred years ago, Michelangelo began work on a painting that became one of the most famous pieces of art in the world - the Sistine Chapel ceiling. Every year millions of people come to see Michelangelo's Sistine ceiling, which is the largest fresco painting on earth in the holiest of Christianity's chapels; yet there is not one single Christian image in this vast, magnificent artwork.

The Sistine Secrets tells the fascinating story of how Michelangelo embedded messages of brotherhood, tolerance, and freethinking in his painting to encourage "fellow travelers" to challenge the repressive Roman Catholic Church of his time.

Blech and Doliner reveal what Michelangelo meant in the angelic representations that brilliantly mocked his papal patron, how he managed to sneak unorthodox heresies into his ostensibly pious portrayals, and how he was able to fulfill his lifelong ambition to bridge the wisdom of science with the strictures of faith. The Sistine Secrets unearths secrets that have remained hidden in plain sight for centuries.

©2008 Benjamin Blech and Roy Doliner (P)2017 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Fascinating.... Benjamin Blech and Roy Doliner appear to have few equals when it comes to the history and detail of the fresco...an informative piece of work." [ Manchester Evening News (UK)]

Truth revealed Extremely I’m

Extremely worthwhile and informative. A brilliant account and analysis of the worlds most beautiful enigma.

one of the best books I've ever come across

please read this book, it has changed me for the better. one of the best books I'll ever have in my library

Illuminating

Michelangelo ! After reading this book I am forever a fan of his brilliant art and radiant talent, intellect and message.

Provocative but not clearly factual

“The Sistine Secrets” is a beautifully narrated audiobook but a curious yet entertaining text. The premise of the text is the need to unveil the many layers of meaning attached to the frescoes of the Sistine chapel. The book would have been better titled “The Secret Codes of Michelangelo.” The authors dedicate a significant amount of time discussing Michelangelo’s life story and other works of art. They explore enough additional artwork to question whether the Sistine Chapel is the primary focus. The text does have significant scientific and historical short falls. The authors underplay the importance of Christianity in the work. Considering the importance of Michelangelo‘s teachers in seeking unity of truth among multiple schools of thought – neo platonic, humanistic, and Kallabistic theory, the listener would have anticipated a broader intellectual inquiry by the authors. I suspect, however, this is not the last text that will explore the many facets of Michelangelo‘s work. To that end, perhaps future authors, will adapt the story to reflect the broader thinking that appears to be evolving in our understanding of Michelangelo’s work.

Smart and clear

The illustrations were clear and accessible in my kindle while playing the audible.
My tried time reading it.
Never tire of this great time in history and gifts of this man

Well-researched!

Would you listen to The Sistine Secrets again? Why?
Actually, I never listen to a book or watch a movie again. I am one of a lucky few with the ability to store that information in schema files of memory. For that reason, I retain most memory of an event, book, movie, life experience. ThIs is both a blessing and a curse.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Sistine Secrets?
The torment of Leonardo as he seeks to put what would then be called a "blasphemous" painting. He was quite skilled and sneaky in covering up any blatant, tell-tale signs!

Which character – as performed by James Cameron Stewart – was your favorite?
Leonardo, of course!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
No, I had done research on this painting and others prior to seeing it in person. What actually made me angry was seeing it and all the extreme wealth at the vatican. Following reading Christopher Hitchen's book about Mother Theresa made me feel both lied to and cheated of a young, strict, Catholic education. VOWS OF POVERTY?!? Yeah, sure...

Any additional comments?
Be prepared to become an agnostic.

The interwoven histories of religions, art, and personal beliefs is fascinating!

Having had the pleasure and honor of seeing these works of art in person, as well as having a short education in art history in college, this was an absolute feast of information. It leant itself to connecting my previous knowledge with that of the Jewish faith and history that I am sorely lacking. The simple and precise connections given between Michelangelo’s work and his education and beliefs, gives new life to his works that i throughly enjoyed learning about

Excellent!!!

The readers voice was perfect for the content. Both informative and entertaining. I was literally transported in time.
BRAVO Michaelangelo!!