By Benjamin Blech, Roy Doliner: The Sistine Secrets: Michelangelo's Forbidden Messages in the Heart of the Vatican Hardcover – January 1, 2008

From the time that I picked up a copy of "The Sistine Secrets", I was hardly able to put it down. It's that good. It's wonderfully written, holding your attention like a good, page turning mystery novel. It's also funny and gossipy. I never realized just how scandalous those Borgias and de Medicis were. They were surpassed only by the Popes themselves, and the book is filled with jaw dropping tales of their outrageous behavior. The sections that describe the history of the Jews during this period was very eye opening for me. The book traces the role of some of Spain's newly expelled Jews who took refuge in some of Italy's more enlightened cities, where they interacted with Michealangelo and had a profound influence on him. The authors' discoveries and explanations of the secrets and motivations hidden behind Michaelangelo's images is convincing and compelling. Even if sometimes they go a bit far in their speculations and require a slight leap of faith, most of their theories are convincingly well argued and backed with great scholarship. ..... Shlomo Ashkinazy Did I mention that I'm enjoying it. I'm almost finished, but I just had to share my enthusiasm with you.

Incredible resource for those seeking information "behind the curtain." No doubt its contents remain controversial if not challenging to those who value tradition over insight. Valuable to all seeking a revisionist view of what is offered as "truth" repainted in subjective terms. Michelangelo's actual intentions were quite different than those of his patrons. A must for all seeking the less obvious.

Absolutely fascinating book that provides more insight and explanation into the art and history of the time. Extremely interesting and informative.

Very amused with Michaelangelo...

A fascinating study historically and artfully!

Love to read about information that is basically unknown to most readers.

I loved this book from the first to the last page.Use the " map" to follow the descriptions. What a genius Michelangelo was...and scholars had to study his " hidden messages" ..WHO KNEW...

Great book. A truly fascinating read. Enjoyable as any good detective story can be.