Leonardo Da Vinci, Walter Isaacson (3.0)
While I often read books using my Kindle, due to the large
number of figures in this book, I recommend reading it in paper format.
Isaacson does a great job describing details of the process and resulting
drawing or painting so I was often referring back to them reviewing details. In
typical biography form, this book follows Leonardo’s life from birth to death.
I doubt there are any surprising or new elements brought to life here, but for
someone who has not read a full biography of the famous artist/scientist, it
serves as a thorough review of his masterpieces, inventions, and the curiosity
of the man. In addition, Isaacson does a good job in explaining how each
affects the other, such as how his fascination with anatomy down to the nerves
and muscles of a smile likely was used to create the most enigmatic smile in
art. As with ‘Steve Jobs’, Isaacson points out the weaknesses of his chosen
genius, but it is extremely clear how much in awe he is about his subject. Also,
the other people popping in and out of his life are more caricatures and
generally felt as if they were dealt with at arms length. I believe this is a good, approachable (albeit
long) book about Da Vinci’s life, but couldn’t help but wonder of one of the
many cited other biographies might be better?
I'm reading Walter Isaacson's biography on Albert Einstein, or at least I've been trying to read if for nearly 3 years now. It's a LONG book with lots of detail. It's been slow going and I'm thankful you've confirmed this biography would likely be similar.
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