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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.

"Driven by the truths he had come to recognize during his years of study in private nontraditional schooling in Florence, truths rooted in his involvement with Judaic texts as well as Kabbalistic training that conflicted with approved Christian doctrine, Michelangelo needed to find a way to let viewers discern what he truly believed. He could not allow the Church to forever silence his soul. And what the Church would not permit him to communicate openly, he ingeniously found a way to convey to those diligent enough to learn his secret language."—from the Preface

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.

Average Customer Rating:

Interesting read, but...	Customer Rating:
This is an interesting read, but the claims are dubious and the scholarship slip-shod. Only a reader with limited critical thinking skills would fall for the claims made by the authors.

From Art History Prof.

Customer Rating:

An amazing work full of new and plausable ideas and theories.Kudos to authors Rabbi Benjamin Blech and Roy Doliner.Their research and proof opens a new dimension into the mind and genius of Michaelangelo.My students were awed by the insight and messages that were never seen by Pope Julius or the millions of humans who walked into the Chapel and looked up!This is truly a gift from the past that can now be accepted.

intellectual honesty made possible by courage

Customer Rating:

Happening upon a major discovery regarding the backgound, motive ---and actions--of an angered Mchelagelo, authors Blech and Doliner did what only the very finest historians do: they followed the evidence wherever it led, honestly, honorably--and with extraordinary personal courage. The Sistine Secrets not only is historical analysis of the highest order--it is one gripping read which grabs you on page 1--and never lets go. A First-rate effort in every way!!

Sistine Secrets	Customer Rating:
The book is fascinating, and offers insights into the work of Michelangelo as a scholar and artist. It includes logical and understandable interpretations of the ceiling art in the Sistine chapel, but also includes conclusions that are somewhat speculative. Altogether, worth reading and thinking about it.

Very Interesting	Customer Rating:
This book is very interesting because it goes into the culture and background of why Michelangelo spurned the pope with his art. I recommend it.