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4.19 AVERAGE
4.19 AVERAGE
informative
slow-paced
This is the longest book that I have done on Audible. It is a big book, and it took a very long time to listen to, but in the end it was worth it. Sometimes Isaacson just goes on for far too long discussing the painting techniques of the master or guessing as to his motivations for doing or not doing something, but there were enough fascinating points made to keep me engaged. One thing that really helped was the narration by Alfred Molina. The British actor's voice is beautiful and soothing, and his obvious familiarity with Italian made his pronunciation of places and names in Italy a joy to hear. This is really the first time where I can say that the narrator improved the experience of an audiobook for me. In the end, I learned that Da Vinci was even more remarkable than I thought before taking in this book, a true genius, maverick, and scholar. Highly recommended for history buffs.
Very long ... a little repetitive ... but thoroughly enjoyable to learn about what made this master tick!
Fascinating! Meticulous, tedious, and I loved each minute. Each minute detail layers to create a portrait of a genius, much like da Vinci's own masterworks. 'The soup is getting cold.'
"Describe the tongue of a woodpecker"
It's not necessary to know what the tongue of a woodpecker looks like or how it functions in order to paint the Mona Lisa. Or is it?
The key to Leonardo's genius lies in his notebooks; amazing descriptions of his world and all of the wonders and curiosities that surrounded him. Perhaps his greatest skill was in his boundless curiosity and keen observation of the natural world. His thirst for knowledge was insatiable, which is evident in his constant changes in direction and focus. One day he would be studying the muscles of a horse, the next pondering the flow of water. His notebooks also prove that he was a mortal man; jotting down to-do lists and groceries in the margin of a page containing mechanical drawings for how a siphon might work. He was flamboyant, gay, whimsical and enjoyed a touch of fantasy.
And, of course, there are the paintings. Walter Isaacson does a wonderful job of introducing each painting in its proper time and place. Where was Leonardo at the time; Florence, Milan? What was he studying; human anatomy, engineering, water eddies, geology? And how did his experiences and learning affect his painting? What we learn is that the Mona Lisa, sixteen years in the making, is the masterpiece that it is because it represents the culmination of a lifetime spent in ceaseless discovery.
The takeaway for me is to be more like Leonardo: be relentlessly curious, retain a childlike wonder, see things unseen, get distracted, procrastinate, be open to mystery.
It's not necessary to know what the tongue of a woodpecker looks like or how it functions in order to paint the Mona Lisa. Or is it?
The key to Leonardo's genius lies in his notebooks; amazing descriptions of his world and all of the wonders and curiosities that surrounded him. Perhaps his greatest skill was in his boundless curiosity and keen observation of the natural world. His thirst for knowledge was insatiable, which is evident in his constant changes in direction and focus. One day he would be studying the muscles of a horse, the next pondering the flow of water. His notebooks also prove that he was a mortal man; jotting down to-do lists and groceries in the margin of a page containing mechanical drawings for how a siphon might work. He was flamboyant, gay, whimsical and enjoyed a touch of fantasy.
And, of course, there are the paintings. Walter Isaacson does a wonderful job of introducing each painting in its proper time and place. Where was Leonardo at the time; Florence, Milan? What was he studying; human anatomy, engineering, water eddies, geology? And how did his experiences and learning affect his painting? What we learn is that the Mona Lisa, sixteen years in the making, is the masterpiece that it is because it represents the culmination of a lifetime spent in ceaseless discovery.
The takeaway for me is to be more like Leonardo: be relentlessly curious, retain a childlike wonder, see things unseen, get distracted, procrastinate, be open to mystery.
I've always been really intrigued about Leonardo da Vinci, but didn't know too much about the details of his life. This biography was brilliant, with amazing pictures of Leonardo's art pieces and notebooks to accompany the text which sought to describe the artistry, meaning and thoughts behind the images.
I loved the ending and conclusion of the book as well, and finished reading the book with a renewed sense of awe and inspiration.
I loved the ending and conclusion of the book as well, and finished reading the book with a renewed sense of awe and inspiration.
4 out of 5
People being into space, dinosaurs, Greek mythology, Ancient Egypt, etc. growing up and then there was me having a strong obsession with Leonardo da Vinci till I was about 12 years old. This book brought me back to that feeling and why I have always admired this man so much.
There were quite a few things I already knew of that the books goes over, but there were also other aspects I have never explored or simply have forgotten the details of over the years. It was so much fun. I found myself chuckling at the in which the author described Leonardo's character and mannerism. Feeling wonder at the level of skill and intellect he possessed through pure brilliance and consistent, detailed observation. It felt like I was visiting an old childhood friend, as weird as that may sound! I do wish the author could have touched so much more with regard to da Vinci's philosophy and thoughts based on his notes which we only see small snippets of throughout the book.
I appreciated it detailed his life from the moment he was born to his death. Of course, it went over major events, however, we still had more of those quiet moments that really grounded Leonardo as just another man, rather than the genius he's exalted. One chapter in particular I really loved was about his rivalry with Michelangelo. I could probably read a whole book about it! While there were so many things I loved, toward the middle of the book as well as when the author derailed the conversation of da Vinci's art too much to things outside the art pieces themselves, I found myself zoning out.
Also! This was my very first audiobook! Yay! I have always tried them but with fiction and I could just not get through them. Either I got too distracted or I could not take dialogue being read out loud seriously. Non-fiction works so much better for me since I almost trick myself into thinking I'm listening to a podcast. HA! But the best thing is that I have been able to digest the information so much better than if I had read it physically. The narrator was great and had a pleasant voice to listen to, so highly recommend the audiobook.
Anyone from hardcore da Vinci admirers to those looking to learn more about the man, the legend, will enjoy how thorough and accessible this biography is. The final chapters really touched me personally, making me reflect in my own pursuits and goals. One thing Leonardo da Vinci has taught me is to always remain curious and that there is wonder in every aspect of human life.
People being into space, dinosaurs, Greek mythology, Ancient Egypt, etc. growing up and then there was me having a strong obsession with Leonardo da Vinci till I was about 12 years old. This book brought me back to that feeling and why I have always admired this man so much.
There were quite a few things I already knew of that the books goes over, but there were also other aspects I have never explored or simply have forgotten the details of over the years. It was so much fun. I found myself chuckling at the in which the author described Leonardo's character and mannerism. Feeling wonder at the level of skill and intellect he possessed through pure brilliance and consistent, detailed observation. It felt like I was visiting an old childhood friend, as weird as that may sound! I do wish the author could have touched so much more with regard to da Vinci's philosophy and thoughts based on his notes which we only see small snippets of throughout the book.
I appreciated it detailed his life from the moment he was born to his death. Of course, it went over major events, however, we still had more of those quiet moments that really grounded Leonardo as just another man, rather than the genius he's exalted. One chapter in particular I really loved was about his rivalry with Michelangelo. I could probably read a whole book about it! While there were so many things I loved, toward the middle of the book as well as when the author derailed the conversation of da Vinci's art too much to things outside the art pieces themselves, I found myself zoning out.
Also! This was my very first audiobook! Yay! I have always tried them but with fiction and I could just not get through them. Either I got too distracted or I could not take dialogue being read out loud seriously. Non-fiction works so much better for me since I almost trick myself into thinking I'm listening to a podcast. HA! But the best thing is that I have been able to digest the information so much better than if I had read it physically. The narrator was great and had a pleasant voice to listen to, so highly recommend the audiobook.
Anyone from hardcore da Vinci admirers to those looking to learn more about the man, the legend, will enjoy how thorough and accessible this biography is. The final chapters really touched me personally, making me reflect in my own pursuits and goals. One thing Leonardo da Vinci has taught me is to always remain curious and that there is wonder in every aspect of human life.
informative
slow-paced
Decent biography. Informative and clear. Not the most gripping but not bad. Would recommend!