The Sistine Chapel: A Biblical Tour

The last time I was in Rome (1987), the chapel was being restored and at least half of it was very dark (I saw the pictures of the restoration - not even sure it was worth seeing before that time all covered in soot. It has been a long time, but I am returning next year and cannot wait to see the vibrant colors that have been exposed since its restoration- completed in 1994 I think.I bought this book in prep for our trip.I think this book gives fantastic reference to what the panels are trying to convey, and while others are correct in that the explanations are brief- I think that is the point. It is not a history of everything you could ever want to know about the chapel or the frescos, it is a "biblical tour" giving you more insight to each panel than you probably would have had, while just glancing up at the ceiling and wall behind the altar. I like the concise blurbs about the panels- anything I want to know more about I can google and get more info to my heart's content.I agree that a pullout of the whole ceiling would have been a great addition, but it still is worth seeing the close ups of everything that is included.On that note- not all the parts of the ceiling are included- Siblys and medallions for ex (disappointing to not see a close up of Delphic Sibyl for ex), nor are the random nudes interspersed throughout the ceiling between the panels, but as the author stated in her intro, they are left out as they are not part of the biblical story, so did not make the cut for her book as she had a specific intent for putting this particular book togetherI am thoroughly enjoying this in prep for our return trip as it seems they are limiting people's time in the chapel.

Brings together the paintings from the ceiling of the Chapel with their foundation in Holy Scripture. The reproduction of the ceiling paintings are beautiful. I originally took this book out of the library and was disappointed after returning it it was not longer in print. I was delighted to find it on Amazon and ordered it right away. The descriptions of each painting is only one page. It's just enough information to explain what and why it was painted that way. Great book.

Having seen the Sistine Chapel in person and just yesterday seeing the exhibit where I could see the panels up close and life size, I wanted to get a book that told the complete story of the ceiling and the panels. This book is perfect! It shows and explains every panel, even the medallions which were included in the exhibit but not explained. It also shows the arched panels which weren't included in the exhibit.There are also the biblical references, along with maps which show where each panel is located. Highly recommend!

I ordered 2 copies, one for myself & another, as a gift to a friend. We both teach some religion classes & loved sharing this book w/our classes as well as enjoying it ourselves. For myself, having visited the Sistine Chapel several times, I enjoyed really seeing the works of art in this book, more than I have while actually w/in the Chapel itself. Not to say that being there isn't a special experience, but this was another opportunity to focus & study the art work for longer & more often times.

The plates are excellent but this book doesnt compare to the bigger book “ Michelangelo and Raphael”

This is a beautifully assembled book! I have been to the Sistine Chapel many times. This is a roadmap to that extraordinary ceiling. Tells you what you are going to see and where it is in the Chapel. If you are contemplating going to Rome, worthwhile for you to get this first before touring the Chapel. It will give you a good appreciation for what you are looking at. Also, considering the many distractions when you go there, this will help ground your tour and give you a better appreciation for this extraordinary space.

Excellent book with colorful glossy photos telling what each separate paintings of the Sistine ceiling are about. He painted it standing up. He didn't learn too much about painting. Was a sculptor that transformed him as a genius first. Even if a person is an atheist, it's a good short history of what this genius could do.Good text. Good book cover. A keeper.

Having visited the Sistine Chapel on several occasions, it is hard to get all the information down without this great guide. A must for anyone who has visited or is planning a visit.

Beautiful book and illustrations

Boa leitura

This splendid collection of all the pictures on the ceiling on the Sistine Chapel in the museum in Vatican City is just what it promised to be: the paintings together with the biblical passages that they are meant to illustrate. The pictures are so difficult to see when you go and have a look in the Chapel because they are so high up and not very large. The book affords a close comfortable inspection.The only snag is that the colours in the book aüüear to be a bit dull. whereas those in the newly restored originals (now at the end of 2014) all appear to be so much brighter. I use the book to great effect in the English classes that I run to introduce people to the treasures and to biblical English. A big thank-you to everybody who worked to prepare the book for publication.

I bought this book for a friend but had a quick look through it when it arrived. It was very interesting and had some beautiful pictures of the wonderful artwork in the chapel.Very pleased with the seller, the book arrived promptly in excellent condition. I would not hesitate to use them again.

Eu amei este livro. É lindíssimo! Eu recomendo à todos. O resumo de cada personagem q Michelangelo pintou é ótimo.