'Leonardo Da Vinci' by Walter Isaacson

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?