Michelangelo is considered one of the greatest poets of the sixteenth century. He also filled hundreds of sheets of paper with exquisite drawings, many of which went on to become some of the most celebrated masterpieces of all-time.

Organized chronologically, this collection combines the artist's own words with his sketches and finished artwork. His letters about the Sistine Chapel and Pope Julius, for example, will be illustrated with sketches he would have been working on at the time he was writing.

The writing and art is selected by Carolyn Vaughan, former editor at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, who provides fascinating commentary and insights into the material throughout the book.