Books Leonardo da Vinci by WALTER ISAACSON

Walter Isaacson's biography "Leonardo da Vinci" explores the life and mind of one of history's greatest polymaths, emphasizing Leonardo's lifelong curiosity as his defining trait more than any singular talent. Born in 1452 in Vinci as an illegitimate child, Leonardo's lack of formal academic training freed him to pursue a self-directed education rooted in detailed observation of the natural world.​

Isaacson traces Leonardo's early apprenticeship under Andrea del Verrocchio, where he learned painting, sculpture, optics, and anatomy fundamentals that shaped his later masterpieces. The biography details Leonardo's artistic achievements like "The Last Supper" and "Mona Lisa," while highlighting unfinished projects and inventions.​

The narrative also covers Leonardo's complex personal life, including his relationships and ambiguous sexuality. Central to the biography are Leonardo's notebooks—more than 7,200 pages of sketches, scientific writings, to-do lists, and musings—which Isaacson uses to reveal Leonardo's creative process driven by observation and imagination.​

Leonardo's genius bridged art and science, with achievements in anatomy, engineering, mathematics, and botany, influencing the development of the scientific method. Despite challenges and interruptions, his relentless curiosity and interdisciplinary focus made his work timeless.