This is the authorized biography of Leonardo da Vinci, written by Walter Isaacson. It tells the story of da Vinci’s life and work, from his early years in Florence to his death in France. The book is full of insights into da Vinci’s genius, as well as fascinating details about his art and science.
For who is this book for ?
This book is meant for those who are interested in Leonardo da Vinci, his life and work.
Pros :
- Leonardo da Vinci is one of history’s most celebrated minds, and this book does a great job of exploring his life and work.
- The author, Walter Isaacson, is a highly respected biographer and journalist.
- This book is extensively researched and contains a wealth of information about Leonardo da Vinci.
Cons :
- The author jumps around a lot and it can be difficult to follow
- There are moments where the book becomes bogged down in detail
- It is at times dry and academic
Learn more about the author
Walter Isaacson is a journalist and the author of biographies of Benjamin Franklin, Steve Jobs, and Albert Einstein. He has also been the chairman of CNN and the CEO of Aspen Institute.
Reader Reviews
“Leonardo da Vinci is the most famous artist ever and one of the greatest scientists in history. Walter Isaacson has given us a wonderfully insightful look into Leonardo’s life and work.”
“Walter Isaacson has done a superb job in producing a portrait of Leonardo da Vinci that is as rich, multi-layered and complete as the man himself. This beautifully written and exhaustively researched biography provides an illuminating look at not only one of history’s most fascinating figures but also at the times in which he lived.”
“Leonardo da Vinci is one of the world’s most revered painters, sculptors, architects, engineers and scientists. But he was so much more than that. In this magisterial biography Walter Isaacson shows how Leonardo’s creativity and curiosity were based on skills we can improve in ourselves: observation, contemplation, imagination and rational thinking.”
“As a painter, sculptor, architect, musician, scientist and engineer Leonardo da Vinci was the archetype of the Renaissance Man. Walter Isaacson’s exhaustively researched and gracefully written biography does justice to all aspects of this extraordinary figure…Isaacson has produced an outstanding life of one of history’s most intriguing figures.”
