This major new biography recounts the extraordinary life of one of the most creative figures in Western culture, weaving together the multiple threads of Michelangelos life and times with a brilliant analysis of his greatest works. The author retraces Michelangelos 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. Michelangelos acts of self-representation and his pivotal role in constructing his own myth are compellingly unveiled.Antonio Forcellino is one of the worlds leading authorities on Michelangelo and an expert art historian and restorer. He has been involved in the restoration of numerous masterpieces, including Michelangelos Moses. He combines his firsthand knowledge of Michelangelos work with a lively literary style to draw the reader into the very heart of Michelangelos genius.