Adrian Stokes was one of the twentieth centurys finest and most discriminating writers on art. Of over twenty works of art criticism, Michelangelo was considered by Lawrence Gowing to be the most complete he ever wrote, presenting an understanding of the great artist that no one subsequently could afford to ignore. Stokes brings to bear in this work not only twenty-five years study and appreciation of Italian Renaissance art and of aesthetics, but also a unique psychological perspective, as he explains in his introduction, which enables him to uncover the depths of the artists personality. The subtlety of feeling and profound knowledge of sculpture which Sir Herbert Read admired in Stokess work is also combined with a literary style perfected through his own poetry and criticism. Presenting a unique survey of his subjects literary as well as his artistic legacy, Stokes succeeds, as no other has before or since, in his aim of bringing Michelangelos greatness into nearer view.