Originally published: London : Chatto & Windus, 2002.

Includes bibliographical references (p. [319]-356) and index.

The Summons -- The Conspiracy -- The Warrior Pope -- Penance -- Painting in the Wet -- The Design -- The Assistants -- The House of Buonarroti -- The Fountains of the Great Deep -- Competition -- A Great Quandary -- The Flaying of Marsyas -- True Colors -- He Shall Build the Temple of the Lord -- Family Business -- Laocoon -- The Golden Age -- The School of Athens -- Forbidden Fruit -- The Barbarous Multitudes -- Bologna Redux -- The World's Game -- A New and Wonderful Manner of Painting -- The First and Supreme Creator -- The Expulsion of Heliodorus -- The Monster of Ravenna -- Many Strange Forms -- The Armor of Faith and the Sword of Light -- Il Pensieroso -- In Evil Plight -- Final Touches -- Epilogue: The Language of the Gods.

In 1508, despite strong advice to the contrary, the powerful Pope Julius II commissioned Michelangelo to paint the ceiling of the newly restored Sistine Chapel. With little experience as a painter (though famed for his sculpture David), Michelangeol was reluctant to begin the massive project. Michelangelo and the Pope's Ceiling recounts the four extraordinary years Michelangelo spent laboring over the vast ceiling while the power politics and personal rivalries that abounded in Rome swirled around him. Battling against ill health, financial difficulties, domestic problems, the pope's impatience, and a bitter rivalry with the brilliant young painter Raphael, Michelangelo created scenes so beautiful that they are considered to be among the greatest masterpieces of all time. A panorama of illustrious figures converged around the creation of this magnificent work -- from the great Dutch scholar Erasmus to the young Martin Luther -- and Ross King skillfully weaves them through his compelling historical narrative, offering uncommon insight into the intersection of art and history.