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101 Things You Didn't Know About Da Vinci: The Secrets of the World's Most Eccentric and Innovative Genius Revealed!
This engaging, entertaining book will reveal all the secrets about Leonardo Da Vinci, from his prescient inventions and his lost art to his animal rights activism and his sexual preferences—not to mention his enemies and allies in the dark, turbulent world of his time. Readers learn everything they didn’t know about the quintessential Renaissance Man the easy way, thanks to the fun, breezy style of 101 Things You Didn’t Know about Da Vinci.
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 5, 2016
The best thing I can say about this book is that each "thing" takes just about the same amount of time to read as it takes me to shit in the morning.
The worst thing is that almost none of the "things" are based on fact or research, so even though I otherwise would just be staring at a wall, I still somehow felt like I wasted time on this.
The worst thing is that almost none of the "things" are based on fact or research, so even though I otherwise would just be staring at a wall, I still somehow felt like I wasted time on this.
October 16, 2014
While most of the information in this book is good and interesting, there are a few bone-headed errors I have noticed, like on page 188 where it states that John Calvin left Switzerland in 1583 (he died in 1564) and then returned in 1541. Unless I am mistaken, Mr. Calvin did not have access to a time machine.
Another great laugh-out-loud error is on page 80 where one of the sentences begins "It was a motley crüe of painting..." I think they meant "motley crew" unless Nikki Sixx, Mick Mars, Tommy Lee and Vince Neil borrowed John Calvin's time machine and sat in as models for Leonardo.
Those errors aside, the thing that drives me up the wall with this book is the constant idiotic commentary, like "Boy, that's a good excuse for not finishing a project! and "Whether it's yard gnomes, porcelain Santas, or pink flamingos, most of us appreciate some form of small outdoor sculpture." These kinds of remarks pop up every page or two. And while I understand that the authors want to avoid making the book dry and boring - that's good - can't they at least do it in a way that doesn't come across as if they're writing for 2nd graders? That would be okay in a children's book, but this isn't one.
Another great laugh-out-loud error is on page 80 where one of the sentences begins "It was a motley crüe of painting..." I think they meant "motley crew" unless Nikki Sixx, Mick Mars, Tommy Lee and Vince Neil borrowed John Calvin's time machine and sat in as models for Leonardo.
Those errors aside, the thing that drives me up the wall with this book is the constant idiotic commentary, like "Boy, that's a good excuse for not finishing a project! and "Whether it's yard gnomes, porcelain Santas, or pink flamingos, most of us appreciate some form of small outdoor sculpture." These kinds of remarks pop up every page or two. And while I understand that the authors want to avoid making the book dry and boring - that's good - can't they at least do it in a way that doesn't come across as if they're writing for 2nd graders? That would be okay in a children's book, but this isn't one.
February 8, 2012
Not as informative as I had hoped. Very simplistic writing style.
October 2, 2022
Terrible writing and full of misinformation. Lots of unnecessary connectives like “read on” or “one example is”. Redundant statements throughout. I’d think the author forgot she already shared the particular info, except she’d often preface it by mentioning she wrote about it earlier! Definitions of words and basic explanations of some religious tenets are completely wrong. Her explanation of dyslexia is totally erroneous. Fortunately, most people will have the sense to stop reading before they get to that part, so she won’t have a chance to spread dangerous myths about this common disability. I don’t know why I punished myself, but I have a tendency to feel like I need to complete a book once I start. I shouldn’t have.
March 16, 2021
I usually like to compliment books and say something like, "this is a nice coffee table book." Sadly this is more of a bathroom book. Very repetitive. It would have garnered more stars from me if the book contained illustrations. That was my biggest problem with this book. Fairly rich in descriptive detail, but pictures to go along with those words would have gone a long way to making this book better.
If you get at a garage sale, pick it up for fun. If not, give it a pass.
If you get at a garage sale, pick it up for fun. If not, give it a pass.
May 23, 2020
Okay couldn't finish the book though I tried for this past several days. The material was 'kinda' interesting but the writing style or the presentation was not much good at all unfortunately.
Better watch a documentary on leonardo to know more about him.
Better watch a documentary on leonardo to know more about him.
March 30, 2013
Dry as dust. I made it through 5 chapters and didn't learn a single thing of interest.
September 11, 2014
Interesting, but there is no real secrets as the title pretends reveal.
January 21, 2019
Not a biography at all comparable to Walter Isa son's but a fun read none the less. Especially if Leonardo Da Vinci is one of your all time hero's.
February 7, 2020
This little book was easy to read and enlightening. I liked it quite a lot.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews