When you hear the words, Sistine Chapel, you envision impressive Christian art. According to this book, Michelangelo's masterpiece has very little Christian symbolism on it. Due to his anger at the Pope and the Catholic Church, Michelangelo's work of art was influenced by Kabbalistic teachings. He hid many messages in the paintings on the ceiling. Some as a mockery to Pope Julius II (was that putti (angelic figure) "giving the fig" to the Pope's portrait? At times, I wished I had an oversize book of the ceiling to see these hidden messages better. There is a poster included within the book cover, but due to the plastic cover, it is inaccessible. Brief chapters on the life of Michelangelo are also included. After reading this book, you'll never look at Michelangelo's work the same again.  --SS

July 15, 2008