Unabridged Audiobook
Impeccably researched, logically (chronologically), a poetically presented, this is one of the best biographies that I have ever 'read' (audio-version). As both an artist and an architect, the book is relevant and poignant to my interests, and should be required university reading for these disciplines. Issacson's poetic and descriptive chapters on the Last Supper and Monalisa are the frosting on a beautiful cake that celebrates the Renaissance in art. The narration is superb and spellbinding. Hands down, this is a 5-star biography. jkh2025.
This book is 5 stars if you want to know everything about Leonardo Da Vinci (LDV). I was fascinated with LDV's experiences and I learned much more than I expected. If you want a summary about LDV, this is not your book. I didn't realize LDV had no formal education because his intelligence and curiosity had him thinking far ahead of the scientists and doctors of his time. He learned physics and the human body through hands-on empirical techniques. He challenged accepted theories through experimentation, such as dissecting animal and human bodies to see where muscles, organs, bones, arteries, and the brain were located and watching how organs worked in animals. He probably would have been considered one of the greatest scientists of his time if he had written about his findings. The author explains how LDV's attention to detail is what made him such an exceptional artist and scientist. There are many more details about his personal life, material wealth or lack of, motivations, and interpersonal relationships.
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