Michelangelo at Midlife

A traveler's quest for Michelangelo's most troubled work of art-the colossal and notorious Tomb of Pope Julius II.

His artistic ambitions crumbling as fast as his marriage, Sam careens through Europe seeking inspiration in the great Michelangelo who, for all his success, struggled to realize his lifelong passion-the Tomb of Julius II. Sam travels from Florence, where Michelangelo began the project, to the quarries of Carrara where he got the marble, to Paris, Venice, and beyond-chasing the ever-changing, 40-year story of the Tomb.

He teams up with Nikki, an intriguing Italian woman who opens his eyes to the deeper meaning of the Tomb: how Michelangelo began with over-the-top ambitions for a 50-foot-tall pyramid studded with dozens of David-sized statues. But as his grand plans got derailed-including by a detour to the Sistine Chapel-he sank into a deep depression... a midlife crisis.

The book's three intertwined stories-of Michelangelo, Sam, and Nikki-converge in Rome. Can they each find a way to navigate the choppy waters of middle age and realize their youthful dreams?

Incredibly, Michelangelo at Midlife is the only non-academic book about the Tomb of Julius II. It's written by the author of more than a dozen best-selling books and PBS TV shows with travel guru Rick Steves, including Europe's Top 100 Masterpieces and Art of Europe. The book's 180 color photos and diagrams of Michelangelo's art serve as clues, leading the reader deeper into the unfolding mystery.

With its mix of evocative travelogue, COLOR images, and history detective story, Michelangelo at Midlife is a fast read for lovers of the arts with a romantic streak.