Spike, J: Young Michelangelo

John T. Spike is a noted art historian, author and lecturer. He has directed the Biennial of Florence and in 2007 was named to the faculty of the Masters in Sacred Art History. In 2010 he was engaged by the Council of Europe as an expert in Cultural Heritage. John T. Spike is also the author of the critically acclaimed Caravaggio. He lives in Florence.

'John T. Spike proves himself, yet again, as one of our most astute and readable authorities on the Italian Renaissance. He makes Michelangelo more fascinating than ever ' Ross King, author of Brunelleschi's Dome 'Spike crystallizes historical detail into vivid, memorable imagery... a rich narrative that promises more intrigue than the best adventure novel.' Publishers Weekly 'Spike's original and valuable approach to studying [Michelangelo's] childhood, development, and reputation as one of the greats of the Renaissance provides a deeper understanding of such a wondrous, almost mythic figure. An essential book for Renaissance collections and devotees' Library Journal 'Michelangelo is a difficult man to like, but impossible to resist. Spike captures his magnetism, his drive and the sheer scale of his ambition.' Sarah Bakewell Sunday Times 'No art historian has got closer to [Michelangelo] than John T. Spike' Martin Herbert, Sunday Telegraph 'A compelling portrait of the artist as a young man in a dangerous time.' Peter Robb, author of M: The Man Who Became Caravaggio '[a] crisply thorough biography ' Christopher Bray, Express