De Vecchi, Nazzareno Gabriellil, Piernicola Pagliara, The Sistine Chapel: A Glorious Restoration (Harry N. Abrams, 1994) comprehensive post-restoration photographic study of the ceiling. Irving Stone The Agony and the Ecstasy (Signet, 1961) is a detailed account of the painting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo , with a section devoted to his life