In his youth, Leonardo da Vinci wrote confidently, “I wish to work miracles.” By the time of his death in 1519, when he was sixty-seven and famed throughout Europe, it seemed that he had accomplished wonders aplenty as an artist, engineer, inventor, and scientist. Here, from author Jay Williams, is the moving story of the man behind the Renaissance myth.
Leonardo da Vinci
By jaywilliams
I always got those genius painters mixed up: who painted Mona Lisa vs who painted the Sistine Chapel ? Which one painted the Last Supper? I learned easily in this book because of its sociological/political/chronological presentation. Even Machiavelli was a contemporary and friend of da Vinci. I was amazed at how multifaceted da Vinci was: besides …
Da Vinci is one of the most famous people in history. While much accomplished, this book paints a realistic history that shows how this exceptional man had his shortcomings – often unable to complete his works for various reasons – mostly personal.
This was an interesting book as it relates the life history of Leonardo da Vinci. He was an amazing man, full of versatile talent and ideas. Interestingly, he failed at completing many of his projects, but provided the ideas for generations to come.
Being a biography the book is limited to the factual data that is known concerning Leonardo. Of course we have Leonardo’s notebooks and illustrations and many other peers’ reflections in his life and works. This book is good enough to satisfy one’s knowledge of Leonardo and whet the appetite for more information which I plan to do. The book is …
Gave me an added insight into DeVinci’s life.
Disappointing.
I enjoyed getting to know daVinci, but thought this biography lacked depth.
This book my a real understanding of Leonardo’s life which I’ve wants to gain for a long time
not well written – there are even typos in the digital editions
Eminently readable but never having read a more conventional biography, as the author recommends, I’m unsure how definitive this one is.
Good summary of the life and influence of Leonardo.
A very interesting look at a great historical person/genius.
This is an informative book that is easy to read.
Long but fascinating. His lack of ability to complete anything I found frustrating
common thread was his inability to complete his work. Each time he took on another challenge, I wanted him to complete the others
I wish it had gone into more details about his actual works, it helped my understanding of his life.
brief, sometimes rambling, good intro to Leonardo
A quick, enjoyable read. Leonardo was far different than I previously thought.
Leonardo da Vinci was a unique character. the history and life is splendid. If you are into the greatest people from our past than this is a must read.
GOOD INFO. WITHOUT BEING TEDIOUS..,HELPS UNDERSTAND THE ARTIST AND HIS
WORK.
Good short intro to the life of arguably the world’s greatest inventor.