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A review by daviest
Leonardo Da Vinci by Walter Isaacson
5.0
This was the first biography I've ever read, and it did not disappoint. Blending journalistic intrigue with academic diligence, Isaacson chronicles Da Vinci's whole life from start to finish. He seeks to explain not only what Da Vinci achieved, but also how such a prolifically creative and curious mind came to be.
I was also delighted that the book was able to impart an introduction to, and appreciation of art history as a byproduct of learning about Leonardo's life. It is testament to Isaacson's writing that he managed to make art history, something I would have previously expressed no interest in, so incredibly captivating! I particularly enjoyed the investigative aspect of understanding Leonardo's life; trying to ascertain what is fact, what is embellished fact, and what is the fiction of previous biographers.
The book ends with a list of intellectual virtues that Leonardo displayed throughout his life, which are inspiring, and I hope to come back and read again another day.
I was also delighted that the book was able to impart an introduction to, and appreciation of art history as a byproduct of learning about Leonardo's life. It is testament to Isaacson's writing that he managed to make art history, something I would have previously expressed no interest in, so incredibly captivating! I particularly enjoyed the investigative aspect of understanding Leonardo's life; trying to ascertain what is fact, what is embellished fact, and what is the fiction of previous biographers.
The book ends with a list of intellectual virtues that Leonardo displayed throughout his life, which are inspiring, and I hope to come back and read again another day.