About this book
Walter Isaacson's biography of Leonardo da Vinci follows the artist from his birth outside Vinci and his training in Florence to his years in Milan, Rome and finally France. Along the way it covers his famous paintings, including the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, as well as his many unfinished projects.
Isaacson builds the book around Leonardo's surviving notebooks, which record his studies of anatomy, water, flight, optics and engineering alongside shopping lists and doodles. He uses them to show how Leonardo's observation of nature fed directly into his art, and how his curiosity crossed every boundary between disciplines. The book is honest about his habit of leaving work unfinished, treating it as part of who he was.
What makes the book stand out is its theme: creativity as the product of relentless questioning. It is generously illustrated in most editions, and it is a lively companion to The Swerve, which explores the intellectual world from which the Renaissance grew.
Who it’s for
Perfect for readers interested in art, science and the Renaissance; accessible and inspiring, with no specialist knowledge needed.
Editions vary by publisher and format. Check the retailer’s listing for the edition, translation and format before you buy.