FROM GOODREADS: Based on thousands of pages from Leonardo’s astonishing notebooks and new discoveries about his life and work, Walter Isaacson weaves a narrative that connects his art to his science. He shows how Leonardo’s genius was based on skills we can improve in ourselves, such as passionate curiosity, careful observation, and an imagination so playful that it flirted with fantasy. He produced the two most famous paintings in history, The Last Supper and the Mona Lisa. But in his own mind, he was just as much a man of science and technology. With a passion that sometimes became obsessive, he pursued innovative studies of anatomy, fossils, birds, the heart, flying machines, botany, geology, and weaponry. His ability to stand at the crossroads of the humanities and the sciences, made iconic by his drawing of Vitruvian Man, made him history’s most creative genius.
Leonardo da Vinci by Walter Isaacson
Walter Isaacson’s “Leonardo da Vinci” is an immersive and multifaceted biography that skillfully unveils the complex life and extraordinary mind of the quintessential Renaissance polymath. Isaacson, known for his insightful explorations of historical figures, undertakes the monumental task of unraveling the genius that was Leonardo da Vinci. The title, succinctly reflective of its content, focuses on the individual, emphasizing Leonardo’s unique blend of artistry, scientific inquiry, and innovative thinking.
The biography begins by delving into the obscure origins of Leonardo’s life in Vinci, Italy, and progresses through his artistic apprenticeship in Florence to his time in Milan, Rome, and finally, his later years in France. Isaacson navigates through the intricacies of Leonardo’s notebooks, offering readers a glimpse into the mind of a man whose insatiable curiosity knew no bounds. The title aptly captures the essence of Isaacson’s approach, portraying Leonardo not just as an artist or scientist but as a person—complex, flawed, and endlessly fascinating.
Isaacson skillfully weaves together Leonardo’s iconic paintings, such as the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, with his pioneering scientific observations on anatomy, engineering, and natural phenomena. The biography reveals a man driven by an insatiable desire to understand the world around him, capturing the intersection of art and science in a way that few have accomplished.
The #1 New York Times bestseller from Walter Isaacson brings Leonardo da Vinci to life in this exciting new biography that is “a study in creativity: how to define it, how to achieve it…Most important, it is a powerful story of an exhilarating mind and life”
The New Yorker
Beyond the canvas and sketchpad, Isaacson explores the intricacies of Leonardo’s personal relationships, shedding light on his connections with patrons, students, and fellow artists. The narrative captures the challenges of a man constantly seeking perfection, often leaving projects unfinished but forever altering the trajectory of art and knowledge.
In Isaacson’s hands, “Leonardo da Vinci” transcends the conventional boundaries of biography. It serves as a portal into the mind of a visionary whose timeless creations and pioneering spirit continue to captivate and inspire. The title encapsulates the individuality of Leonardo, and Isaacson’s meticulous research and eloquent prose make this biography a captivating and enlightening journey through the life and legacy of one of history’s greatest minds.
My Goodreads Review:
Leonardo da Vinci by Walter IsaacsonMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
“Leonardo da Vinci” by Walter Isaacson is a masterfully crafted biography that delves deep into the life and genius of one of history’s most extraordinary individuals. With meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Isaacson unveils da Vinci’s insatiable curiosity, artistic brilliance, and boundless creativity, painting a vivid portrait of a true Renaissance man.
Although I would say that this is generally a boring book, it kept me captivated as I realized that there was more to learn about Leonardo Da Vinci. What I knew about him from history has changed because I learned so many new things about him. I now understand the stories behind the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper paintings.
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