Leonardo da Vinci is best known for his art, including the portrait of Mona Lisa, but there was so much more to this man. His genius extended into his greatest passions: scientific discovery, experimentation, and design. Nothing in (or out of) this world was unworthy of his curiosity; he pursued the study of botany, anatomy, engineering, military defense, flight, the behavior of water and light, astronomy … and more.

This book is an excellent starting point for anyone wanting to understand the scope of da Vinci’s scientific mind. Listeners will learn about da Vinci’s birth and death, his origins and early training in art, and his unending pursuit of knowledge. Da Vinci also experienced constant ordeals with finding patrons and having to do their bidding—while trying to find time to passionately pursue his interests.

Gillette uses da Vinci’s notebooks as a guide to presenting the vast collection and evolution of da Vinci’s ideas, and uses his imagination to fill in the gaps. The breadth of da Vinci’s genius will leave you breathless.