I am sure it's a cliche to compare this book the masterpieces of its subject, the technique of its creation to his steady removal of extraneous stone, revealing the forms beneath just waiting to be uncovered. WOW. What an accomplishment. Read it if you are into genius, art, Michaelangelo, the Florentine Renaissance, or the papal politics of 16th century Rome. Read it if you just love great books. Thanks a million to yostman for lending this to me - I loved it!