Michelangelo : Master of the Italian Renaissance

In the late fifteenth century, the palace of Lorenzo the Magnificent, ruler of Florence, was a meeting place of intellectuals, writers, philosophers, and artists. Among them was the talented young Michelangelo, soon to rank with Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael as one of the giants of the Renaissance. This book tells of Michelangelo's training in the workshop of Ghirlandaio, his fascination with the frescoes of Giotto and Masaccio, and the development of his lifelong passion for sculpture.

Grade 6 Up-Using a format similar to that of the "Eyewitness" books, these two series entries continue the fine tradition of the earlier titles. The oversized volumes feature self-contained double-page spreads "...devoted to an aspect of the life and art" of the artist or to "...the major artistic and cultural developments of his time." Sidebars offer reproductions of related works or help to establish the appropriate historical context, thereby enlarging upon the central theme. The texts are written in a fluid style, and although neither artist is covered in the depth of more detailed books such as the "First Impressions" series (Abrams), each volume will serve as a fountain of information for students interested in a concise look at these two men. Some repetition occurs, a common problem when each spread must be self-explanatory. Important artistic and political terms are explained in context, although occasional references, e.g., "social Darwinism," are not elucidated. There are no glossaries. Although the color reproductions and detailed sections of some of the art are quite small, the quality of their color is not compromised. The realistic illustrations that accompany the well-organized text are both detailed and clear. These volumes will appeal to an older audience than either Robin Richmond's Introducing Michelangelo (Little, 1992) or Ernest Raboff's Vincent Van Gogh (Doubleday, 1975; o.p.), although the Bedrick books are missing the full-page reproductions of paintings found in the latter. Both Michelangelo and Van Gogh are sure to captivate students, enabling them to understand something of the triumphs and torments of these masters.
Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan, LaSalle Academy, Providence, RI
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.