San Francisco, U.S.A. — To commemorate the 500th anniversary of the unveiling of Michelangelo’s famed frescoes on the Sistine ceiling, HarperOne is offering a discounted E-book edition of Benjamin Blech and Roy Doliner’s The Sistine Secrets: Michelangelo’s Forbidden Messages in the Heart of the Vatican. For a limited time, from 10/15 through 11/13/12, the E-book will be priced at $2.99.

Originally released in hardcover in April 2008, The Sistine Secrets reveals the fascinating story of the hidden messages and symbols found throughout Michelangelo’s renowned work of art. From the angelic representations that brilliantly mocked his papal patron, to the unorthodox heresies hidden in his ostensibly pious portrayals, Michelangelo’s artwork was rife with messages of protest against the repressive policies of the 16th Century Roman Church.

Rooted in a subversive underground movement of free thinkers and Kabbalists, and driven by the truths he’d come to recognize during his years of study in Florence’s “School of Athens,” Michelangelo embedded messages of brotherhood, tolerance, and freethinking to encourage “fellow travelers” to challenge the church. Among his hidden symbols and messages:

• In the Original Sin panel, Adam and Eve share the guilt equally, reaching for the forbidden fruit at the same time—and surprisingly, it isn’t an apple.
• Directly over Pope Julius II’s throne, Michelangelo painted an ancestor of Jesus wearing the yellow badge of shame imposed on the Jews during the Inquisition.
• In the Creation of Adam panel, Michelangelo concealed an astoundingly accurate anatomy lesson.

Exposing the true meaning behind Michelangelo’s beloved artwork, The Sistine Secrets is a thrilling examination of the subversive messages created right under the nose of the Inquisition.

About the Authors

Rabbi Benjamin Blech is a professor of Talmud at Yeshua University and an internationally recognized educator, and religious leader. Roy Doliner is a highly respected Vatican Docent with a dual specialty in the Renaissance in Rome and Jewish history in Italy.

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