« Giveaway: Josh Groban’s Awake: LIVE CD/DVD set | Main | On the Move Approved - Kids Topics to Go, for Family Travel »
Interview and Book Giveaway: Angela K. Nickerson
By CajunMama | May 19, 2008
A Journey into Michelangelo’s Rome offers a fascinating exploration of Roman culture, art, and politics, as well as a visual feast of Renaissance art and contemporary photographs. Street maps allow the reader to navigate through the city and discover Rome as Michelangelo knew it and as it exists today.
Angela K. Nickerson is based in Sacramento, California; she regularly leads tours to Rome and other cities in Europe. She graciously allowed Traveling Mamas to interview her about Italy and her gorgeous new book. Read through to find out how to win a copy.
TM: What inspired you to write A Journey into Michelangelo’s Rome?
AN: I came to this project by luck, chance, divine intervention, and happenstance. I used to teach literature, and I developed a course called “The Bible as Literature.” To hook my students I used Michelangelo’s work as illustrations for the Biblical stories we studied. His frescoes on the Sistine Chapel ceiling and his sculptures of Moses and David all made wonderful illustrations as we encountered those tales. My students truly understood and thoughtfully considered the stories as well as the artist’s interpretations.
I’d been out of the classroom and writing professionally for a few years when Roaring Forties Press put out a call for proposals, but I knew that this was meant to be. A Journey into Michelangelo’s Rome is truly a fusion of my great passions: writing, travel, and art.
TM: How long did you have to research all the information?
AN: Because I’d done so much research as a teacher, I did not have to start from scratch. However, I spent months immersed in the 16th century reading everything I could find. I was very fortunate, too. Dr. William Wallace, one of the world’s leading experts on Michelangelo, was a tremendous help and led me to a few resources I might never have found on my own. I also know a few librarians who helped me track down some obscure documents.
But the most fun part of the research happened in Italy. Casa Buonarroti in Florence holds the largest collection of Michelangelo’s papers and sketches. It is a remarkable place to visit. And in Rome I developed friendships with several people who work for museums and Rome’s archaeological agencies. They were a great help in collecting information as well.
TM: Which chapter is your favorite?
AN: That’s a tough question. Each chapter is a story from Michelangelo’s life and focuses on the creation of one of his great works. If I had to choose, though, I would say that San Pietro in Vincoli: The Tragedy of the Tomb (chapter 4) might be my favorite.
In 1505 Michelangelo was commissioned to create a tomb for the newly-elected pope, Julius II. Julius II had grand ideas for his own memorial, and Michelangelo saw an opportunity for a lifetime of steady work. But it was not to be. Julius II’s priorities changed, and money was short. He redirected Michelangelo’s energies producing one of the world’s greatest masterpieces: the Sistine Chapel. And after Julius II’s death, his heirs scaled the project back further and further until the final installation (completed in 1545) was just a shadow of Michelangelo’s original vision. The story is sad and complicated and rich, but the pieces of art that were intended for Julius II’s tomb – Moses, Leah, Rachel, and the Captives – are fascinating.
TM: Do you feel these places would be appropriate for families? If not, why?
AN: Absolutely! Michelangelo’s work is very accessible for children. The stories are dramatic and intriguing, and his depictions are full of movement and life. Italian churches and museums are quite family-friendly, too. European schools often take field trips to museums, and they are used to accommodating younger patrons.
The key to traveling as a family in Italy is preparation, and having a theme for a trip can make it more interesting for everyone. Of course, I am partial to Michelangelo, but many children and teens recognize his works when they see them. Knowing that, prepare them a bit for your trip. There are several children’s books out on Michelangelo that can be great places to start. And once you are there, edit the choices you make. No one can go to every museum in Rome, so choose the ones that fit your theme.
The Vatican Museums, for example, can be overwhelming. There are thousands of pieces of art on display, and it can be over-stimulating for children and adults alike. However, hitting the highlights of the museum – including Laocoön, the Raphael Stanze, and the Sistine Chapel — rather than trying to look at every piece can make the experience much more enjoyable.
The families who have the most fun on trips to Rome have done a little work before leaving, preparing together for what they will see. And cater to your child’s interests. If your 6th grader is studying Ancient Rome, don’t miss the Forum and perhaps a trip out to Ostia Antica would be fun. Do you have a budding artist? Take along a sketchbook and make some time to sit and sketch together in the Colosseum or in front of the Pieta. Those impromptu art pieces make priceless souvenirs. Perhaps your 10th grader has been studying the Middle Ages in World History. Then don’t miss the museum at Castel Sant’Angelo. It has great examples of swords and armor and the building was the site of many battles and sieges.
Successful European travel with families is about pacing and preparation. But I see lots of families have a great time together in Rome!
TM: Will you be writing other books similar to this one?
AN: Yes. I am still not sure what my next project will be, but this was truly the best project I’ve ever worked on. It was incredibly fulfilling. I truly expect that my next project will somehow combine three things: art, history, and Italy.
Thanks to Angela for taking the time to answer our questions. If you would like to win a copy of A Journey into Michelangelo’s Rome then leave a comment or question and you will be entered into our giveaway. Same rules apply, as always. Contest ends May 20 at midnight and winner will be announced on Winning Wednesday, May 21.
Topics: Family Travel, Girlfriend Getaways, Luxury Travel, Romantic Getaways, Travel Gear |
May 19th, 2008 at
This looks like a great book.
May 19th, 2008 at
Looks interesting, love to learn more about these places.
May 19th, 2008 at
love 2 win, fascinated by what his masterpieces mean to us today
May 19th, 2008 at
I traveled all over Rome and I would love to have this book as a memento of my travels and all I saw. thank you.
May 19th, 2008 at
I’d love to win, especially since I’m going to Rome in August!
Thanks for the giveaway!
May 19th, 2008 at
This looks like a GREAT read after having been to Rome recently-thanks for the giveaway!
May 19th, 2008 at
This could be a great learning experience.
May 19th, 2008 at
Wow, it sounds like a GREAT book. Can’t wait to take a look at it!
May 19th, 2008 at
I would love to win this. Please enter me.
May 19th, 2008 at
I don’t really have a question, but I’d love to read the book.
May 19th, 2008 at
I dream of visiting Italy. This introduction to Rome would be my first step toward actually traveling there.
May 19th, 2008 at
Never been to Rome and this would be a great way to go.
Thanks.
May 19th, 2008 at
This likes like such an insightful book!
May 19th, 2008 at
My grandparents are from Italy and I am fascinated by the culture and country. What a great book.
May 19th, 2008 at
Sounds like a fascinating book!
May 19th, 2008 at
I threw my coin into the Trevi Fountain but haven’t been able to return to Rome yet. This would be the next best thing!
May 19th, 2008 at
Sweet niblets!
May 19th, 2008 at
Great interview and cool book. I love all things Italian and would love to get my hands on this!
May 19th, 2008 at
Rome is just a treasure-trove of history.
May 19th, 2008 at
i love rome, and would love to read this
May 19th, 2008 at
Ms. Nickerson has really researched for this book! I would just love to own it!
May 19th, 2008 at
What a fascinating book. Enter me too.
May 19th, 2008 at
i actually live in rome, rome, ga
May 19th, 2008 at
like to win this
May 19th, 2008 at
Sounds like a great book.
May 19th, 2008 at
Sounds like a great book! Would love to win!
May 19th, 2008 at
i would lov eto win this
May 19th, 2008 at
I’d love to win this one.
May 19th, 2008 at
Sounds like a good read, I love history
May 19th, 2008 at
Im an artistic friek
May 19th, 2008 at
oh would I ever love to win this!!!
that book would be treasured and used and loved!
May 19th, 2008 at
This looks like a great book. I just finished reading “The Sistine Secrets: Michelangelo’s Forbidden Messages in the Heart of the Vatican,” and it left me wanting to learn much more. Great contest - thanks!
May 19th, 2008 at
I am an artist and love art history. This book sounds great.
May 19th, 2008 at
I just got back from Rome and would love to read the book and go back again to see what I missed.
May 19th, 2008 at
Bueno bella! Anything to get our minds off that stupid DaVinci Code!
May 19th, 2008 at
Italy would be a dream come true! I’m so envious of your travels.
May 19th, 2008 at
I can’t afford to go to Rome. Please give me the opportunity to go their in my mind with your book
May 19th, 2008 at
It’s a dream of mine to visit Rome. This book looks very interesting.
May 19th, 2008 at
I’m thinking that your course; The Bible as Literature, sounds very interesting! You must have a lot of interesting facts to share!
May 19th, 2008 at
This looks like it would be a fascinating book. I would love to win it!
May 19th, 2008 at
I love reading to my cats
May 19th, 2008 at
I love to travel, but have never been to Rome. Would love to read this book.
May 19th, 2008 at
I never get tired of learning about places, people and happenings…this would be a fantastic read!
May 19th, 2008 at
Would love to win this for my husband for Father’s Day; he teaches Art Appreciation I so this would be a total delight to add to his classes. Many Thanks SW
May 19th, 2008 at
ty 4 the great contest!!
May 19th, 2008 at
this sounds like such a great prize!
May 19th, 2008 at
Looks like an interesting book!
May 20th, 2008 at
I love Italy and its culture! Only been to Rome once though, wish I covered more since I haven’t been able to get back there!
May 20th, 2008 at
This would be a fascinating read!!
May 20th, 2008 at
hey this looks pretty neat.
May 20th, 2008 at
this sounds really great~!
May 20th, 2008 at
Looks like a very interesting book. My daughters are starting to show an interest in art and history.
May 20th, 2008 at
What a wonderful giveaway; thanks!
May 20th, 2008 at
I like Michelangelo’s work, it would be interesting to read the book.
May 20th, 2008 at
looks like a great book!
May 20th, 2008 at
I would absolutely love to win this!
THANKS
May 20th, 2008 at
Sounds like a very interesting book! My husband has been there!
May 20th, 2008 at
Why not?
May 20th, 2008 at
I would like to follow on the trip to see the art treasures.
May 20th, 2008 at
This would make a great gift for my friend who is traveling to Italy.
May 20th, 2008 at
Rome is a love in my life. I am really wanting to go back. But with the Euro so high against the dollar right now - it would just be too expensive. Reading this book would be the next best thing to being there.
May 20th, 2008 at
would love to have this book
thanks
May 20th, 2008 at
Please enter me to win! Thank you for this giveaway!
May 20th, 2008 at
I would love to win this book. I enjoy exploring Italy and the Italian culture.
May 20th, 2008 at
Michelangelo was one of the few truly great artists in history. This book would be a wonderful addition to any bookshelf.
As we stand on the shoulders of giants . . .
May 20th, 2008 at
enter me!
May 20th, 2008 at
Enter me, please.
May 20th, 2008 at
Would love to win this
May 20th, 2008 at
i would love to win this. enter me
May 20th, 2008 at
Italy……..my dream trip. I love reading anything about Italy.
May 20th, 2008 at
Great title
May 20th, 2008 at
sounds like a fascinating book
May 20th, 2008 at
I have been to Italy and would love to revisit some of the sites
May 20th, 2008 at
That would make a nice coffee table book.
May 20th, 2008 at
This seems like a fascinating look into the “romance” of Rome’s history. I have yet to travel there myself, but the knowledge gained from the book would make a future trip even more rich.
May 20th, 2008 at
Oooh, I would love to read this. My husband and I are going to Rome this summer.
May 20th, 2008 at
I’d love to check this book out
May 20th, 2008 at
THANK YOU GOD BLESS
May 20th, 2008 at
I have been obsessed with all things Roman and Italian ever since I took Latin in high school. I was lucky enough to do a whirlwind 9-day trip through Italy a few years ago, but it mainly just left me wanting more … more time, more info. This would be a great “fix” til I can get back there!
May 20th, 2008 at
Never been !
May 20th, 2008 at
Magnificent!
May 20th, 2008 at
I’ve never been to Rome so this would be a treasure.
May 20th, 2008 at
I would love to win this great prize!
May 20th, 2008 at
I’m still in the dreaming stages of my future trip to Europe, and I would absolutely LOVE to win this book to give myself more specifics to dream about.
May 20th, 2008 at
Include me, please
May 20th, 2008 at
I have dreamed of going to Rome. Maybe I can through this book.
May 20th, 2008 at
Don’t know much about Michelangelo, but I would like to
May 20th, 2008 at
This looks interesting!
May 20th, 2008 at
would love to have this book
May 20th, 2008 at
what a way to take a trip to Rome
May 20th, 2008 at
sounds like a wonderful book
May 20th, 2008 at
how i would love to win this book
May 20th, 2008 at
what a super prize
May 20th, 2008 at
always wanted to go there but here’s the next best thing!
May 20th, 2008 at
i want to win
May 20th, 2008 at
Would love to win this book!!
May 20th, 2008 at
please enter me
May 20th, 2008 at
Great book
May 20th, 2008 at
This book looks like one that both my husband and I would enjoy very much!
May 20th, 2008 at
Would lovethis for my daughter-in-law who loves art
May 20th, 2008 at
What a wonderful book!
May 20th, 2008 at
I would love to win this book. Sometime I would love to travel to Italy, but this book will have to suffice for now.
May 20th, 2008 at
Since I have alwways dreamed of a trip to Rome, this would projmote that dream until it becomes a reality/
May 20th, 2008 at
This looks like a good book to teach my children about Michelangelo.
May 20th, 2008 at
I dream of visiting Italy some day. I would treasure the art work and history contained in this book. Thanks for the opportunity to participate in this contest.
May 20th, 2008 at
The older I get, the more interested I am in the history of great artists and writers. Michelangelo is, no doubt, one of the best artists in the history of time!
May 21st, 2008 at
I love art and would love to have this book.
May 21st, 2008 at
[...] Posts Road Trippers Hit All 48 States In Four Days Giveaway: Josh Groban’s Awake: LIVE CD/DVD setInterview and Book Giveaway: Angela K. NickersonAnthologyMexico Travel Warning « On the Move Approved - Kids Topics to Go, for [...]