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L'eredità di Leonardo. Il genio che reinventò il mondo
Se c'è un personaggio storico che merita di essere definito "genio universale", nessun dubbio che esso sia Leonardo da Vinci, semplicemente un gigante. Progettò i primi automi funzionanti; immaginò i computer digitali; costruì la prima valvola cardiaca; affrontò i primi studi accurati di anatomia; inventò le prime macchine volanti; rivoluzionò, lui, vegetariano e pacifista, l'ingegneria militare... l'elenco dei campi di applicazione del suo ingegno è vertiginoso.
Noi celebriamo giustamente Leonardo come il pittore che ha rivoluzionato l'arte del Rinascimento, l'autore del Cenacolo e della Gioconda, probabilmente il quadro più famoso del mondo. Ma in realtà i suoi contemporanei lodavano e corteggiavano in lui più l'ingegnere, l'architetto, l'inventore di marchingegni terribili e portentosi, colui che impersonava una nuova era grazie alle sue scoperte meravigliose. Perché Leonardo è stato a tutti gli effetti il primo visionario della storia, ha inventato un nuovo modo di pensare, e, grazie alla sua prodigiosa capacità di osservazione della natura e alle sue folgoranti intuizioni, ha rivoluzionato ogni campo della conoscenza a cui si è applicato.
Noi celebriamo giustamente Leonardo come il pittore che ha rivoluzionato l'arte del Rinascimento, l'autore del Cenacolo e della Gioconda, probabilmente il quadro più famoso del mondo. Ma in realtà i suoi contemporanei lodavano e corteggiavano in lui più l'ingegnere, l'architetto, l'inventore di marchingegni terribili e portentosi, colui che impersonava una nuova era grazie alle sue scoperte meravigliose. Perché Leonardo è stato a tutti gli effetti il primo visionario della storia, ha inventato un nuovo modo di pensare, e, grazie alla sua prodigiosa capacità di osservazione della natura e alle sue folgoranti intuizioni, ha rivoluzionato ogni campo della conoscenza a cui si è applicato.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2008
31 people are currently reading
400 people want to read
About the author
Stefan Klein
48 books91 followersDr. Stefan Klein, geboren 1965 in München, ist Physiker, Philosoph und der erfolgreichste Wissenschaftsautor deutscher Sprache.
Er studierte Physik und analytische Philosophie in München, Grenoble und Freiburg, promovierte und forschte auf dem Gebiet der theoretischen Biophysik. Er wandte sich dem Schreiben zu, weil er "die Menschen begeistern wollte für eine Wirklichkeit, die aufregender ist als jeder Krimi“.
Sein Buch „Die Glücksformel“ (2002) stand über ein Jahr auf allen deutschen Bestsellerlisten und machte den Autor auch international bekannt. In den folgenden Jahren erschienen die hoch gelobten Bestseller „Alles Zufall“,, „Zeit", "Da Vincis Vermächtnis oder Wie Leonardo die Welt neu erfand", "Der Sinn des Gebens" und zuletzt "Träume". Kleins Werk wurde in 27 Sprachen übersetzt und vielfach ausgezeichnet, zuletzt mit dem Deutschen Lesepreis (2015).
Stefan Klein ist ein viel gefragter Vortragsredner. Für das Zeit-Magazin führt er regelmäßig große Gespräche mit den führenden Wissenschaftlern der Welt. Im Rahmen von Lehraufträgen und Vorlesungen unterrichtete er an den Universitäten Heidelberg, Freiburg, UdK Berlin, Cottbus, St. Gallen, Barcelona und Cambridge.
Klein lebt in Berlin. Er ist mit der Wissenschaftsjournalistin Alexandra Rigos verheiratet und hat drei Kinder.
Er studierte Physik und analytische Philosophie in München, Grenoble und Freiburg, promovierte und forschte auf dem Gebiet der theoretischen Biophysik. Er wandte sich dem Schreiben zu, weil er "die Menschen begeistern wollte für eine Wirklichkeit, die aufregender ist als jeder Krimi“.
Sein Buch „Die Glücksformel“ (2002) stand über ein Jahr auf allen deutschen Bestsellerlisten und machte den Autor auch international bekannt. In den folgenden Jahren erschienen die hoch gelobten Bestseller „Alles Zufall“,, „Zeit", "Da Vincis Vermächtnis oder Wie Leonardo die Welt neu erfand", "Der Sinn des Gebens" und zuletzt "Träume". Kleins Werk wurde in 27 Sprachen übersetzt und vielfach ausgezeichnet, zuletzt mit dem Deutschen Lesepreis (2015).
Stefan Klein ist ein viel gefragter Vortragsredner. Für das Zeit-Magazin führt er regelmäßig große Gespräche mit den führenden Wissenschaftlern der Welt. Im Rahmen von Lehraufträgen und Vorlesungen unterrichtete er an den Universitäten Heidelberg, Freiburg, UdK Berlin, Cottbus, St. Gallen, Barcelona und Cambridge.
Klein lebt in Berlin. Er ist mit der Wissenschaftsjournalistin Alexandra Rigos verheiratet und hat drei Kinder.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 28, 2020
Mir gefiel diese Mischung aus Biografie und wissenschaftlicher Analyse des Lebens Leonardo da Vincis ausgesprochen gut.
Stefan Klein beschreibt den Menschen da Vinci, sein Werk, seine Beweggründe und ist dabei immer bemüht auch hinter den Kulissen, Beweggründe und Antriebsmuster des schier unerschöpflichen Schaffensdrangs da Vincis sichtbar werden zu lassen. Allem voran möchte er, so habe ich dieses Werk verstanden, herausstellen, was das Universalgenie der damaligen Renaissance zu jenem unvergesslichen Künstler hat werden lassen.
In acht Kapiteln analysiert der Autor das Leben und Werk des Künstlers aus unterschiedlichen Blickwinkeln heraus und stellt dabei verschiedene Aspekte in den Mittelpunkt: den Blick des Künstlers auf die Welt, seine Analyse des Elements Wassers, sein "Wirken" im Krieg, seinen Traum vom Fliegen, sein Interesse an der Technik und schließlich am Menschen selbst. Es scheint keinen Bereich zu geben, an dem da Vinci sich nicht versuchte. Keinen Bereich, in dem er nicht forscht und dabei auch noch herausragende Entdeckungen machte. Was für ein Geist in diesem Mann steckt, wird erst deutlich, wenn man sich all seine Interessengebiete und Ergebnisse darin in Gänze vor Augen führt.
Besonders interessant finde ich die Gedanken des Autors am Ende des Buches, in denen er fragt, ob es da Vinci auf der Grundlage unserer heutigen Zeit, im Rahmen unseres Bildungssystems ebenso hätte möglich sein können, diese Genialität, basierend auf dem unerschöpflichen gänzlich freien kindlichen Forschungsdrangs, zu entwickeln bzw. ob es je einem Menschen in dieser Weise nochmals möglich werden würde, etwas Vergleichbares in sich auszubilden.
Wer sich für Biografien interessiert und dabei gerne auch wissenschaftliche Aspekte betrachtet, liegt mit diesem Buch genau richtig. Aber auch jeder, der generell nur Biografien oder Geschichten über Personen des "öffentlichen Lebens" mag, findet an diesem Buch gefallen.
Stefan Klein beschreibt den Menschen da Vinci, sein Werk, seine Beweggründe und ist dabei immer bemüht auch hinter den Kulissen, Beweggründe und Antriebsmuster des schier unerschöpflichen Schaffensdrangs da Vincis sichtbar werden zu lassen. Allem voran möchte er, so habe ich dieses Werk verstanden, herausstellen, was das Universalgenie der damaligen Renaissance zu jenem unvergesslichen Künstler hat werden lassen.
In acht Kapiteln analysiert der Autor das Leben und Werk des Künstlers aus unterschiedlichen Blickwinkeln heraus und stellt dabei verschiedene Aspekte in den Mittelpunkt: den Blick des Künstlers auf die Welt, seine Analyse des Elements Wassers, sein "Wirken" im Krieg, seinen Traum vom Fliegen, sein Interesse an der Technik und schließlich am Menschen selbst. Es scheint keinen Bereich zu geben, an dem da Vinci sich nicht versuchte. Keinen Bereich, in dem er nicht forscht und dabei auch noch herausragende Entdeckungen machte. Was für ein Geist in diesem Mann steckt, wird erst deutlich, wenn man sich all seine Interessengebiete und Ergebnisse darin in Gänze vor Augen führt.
Besonders interessant finde ich die Gedanken des Autors am Ende des Buches, in denen er fragt, ob es da Vinci auf der Grundlage unserer heutigen Zeit, im Rahmen unseres Bildungssystems ebenso hätte möglich sein können, diese Genialität, basierend auf dem unerschöpflichen gänzlich freien kindlichen Forschungsdrangs, zu entwickeln bzw. ob es je einem Menschen in dieser Weise nochmals möglich werden würde, etwas Vergleichbares in sich auszubilden.
Wer sich für Biografien interessiert und dabei gerne auch wissenschaftliche Aspekte betrachtet, liegt mit diesem Buch genau richtig. Aber auch jeder, der generell nur Biografien oder Geschichten über Personen des "öffentlichen Lebens" mag, findet an diesem Buch gefallen.
June 18, 2010
First things first. This could have been a VERY dry and boring book. But thanks to a great author, and equally great translator, it was very readable.
The book begins with a young nobleman leaving France with a box containing about 10,000 pages of writings and drawings which he would faithfully watch over for 50 years- his inheritance from his friend Leonardo da Vinci. The author then takes us on an amazing journey through da Vinci's adult life. Klein doesn't make him out to be super human, but rather states plainly what is actually been documented to have come from da Vinci, and what has been done incorrectly. The fact is, da Vinci had an amazing mind - possibly a bit A.D.D.- but brilliant.
My favorite sections from the book is found at the end when Klein asks why we haven't seen more people with da Vinci's talents. He asks, "But how likely is it that young people today would learn to use their talents as Leonardo did? What would become of Leonardo if he went to school today?...We want answers; he posed questions...Driven by curiosity, he worked for the sheer pleasure of understanding the world...(he)showed us what man is capable of when liberated from the constraints and apparent certainties of the world. This is his true legacy."
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys history and trivia.
The book begins with a young nobleman leaving France with a box containing about 10,000 pages of writings and drawings which he would faithfully watch over for 50 years- his inheritance from his friend Leonardo da Vinci. The author then takes us on an amazing journey through da Vinci's adult life. Klein doesn't make him out to be super human, but rather states plainly what is actually been documented to have come from da Vinci, and what has been done incorrectly. The fact is, da Vinci had an amazing mind - possibly a bit A.D.D.- but brilliant.
My favorite sections from the book is found at the end when Klein asks why we haven't seen more people with da Vinci's talents. He asks, "But how likely is it that young people today would learn to use their talents as Leonardo did? What would become of Leonardo if he went to school today?...We want answers; he posed questions...Driven by curiosity, he worked for the sheer pleasure of understanding the world...(he)showed us what man is capable of when liberated from the constraints and apparent certainties of the world. This is his true legacy."
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys history and trivia.
March 5, 2013
Klein organizes his book into sections that focus on different subjects Leonardo studied throughout his life. First his famous Mona Lisa painting, then water, war, the dream of flying, robots, and finallly, Leonardo's adventures in anatomy. Throughout the book, Klein tells the reader of the different periods and events of Leonardo's life. These accounts are also intermixed with first person experiences from the author as he travels the world visiting different places Leonardo lived and his notebooks. The main focus, however, is Leonardo's studies and works. I particularly appreciated the timeline of Leo's that is in the back of the book.
While I enjoyed this book, it is light in content and very interesting, it left me unsatisfied. Klein's descriptions are shallow and clunky and often I felt I was not getting as much information about Leonardo and his work as I wanted. That said, it was an enjoyable read, and a good book for someone who is not entirely invested in the subject. For someone who is in want of a more in depth account of Leonardo and his achievements, I'd say look elsewhere.
While I enjoyed this book, it is light in content and very interesting, it left me unsatisfied. Klein's descriptions are shallow and clunky and often I felt I was not getting as much information about Leonardo and his work as I wanted. That said, it was an enjoyable read, and a good book for someone who is not entirely invested in the subject. For someone who is in want of a more in depth account of Leonardo and his achievements, I'd say look elsewhere.
June 17, 2016
While people LOVE to mention Leonardo, that's all they do: mention him, followed by a laundry list of achievements observed at face value, devoid of depth. This was even the case for me, despite having graduated from an art college where we took many, many art history classes.
This book investigates all of Leonardo's artistic and scientific interests, intermingled with bits of his biography. The writing maintains a pleasant balance between the narration of his life, the facts, and the author's points of view. I only wish it would have included more pictures, since the author spends a lot of time describing images that I always wanted to see.
I learned a lot that I never knew about Leonardo, but especially loved the conclusion, where the author poses the following: Why hasn't there been any other human being to match Leonardo, in his grand ingenuity? This raises some questions about the modern educational system and as an art teacher, these are issues about which I ask myself almost daily, and am glad that he acknowledged that even though people love to say Leonardo was "centuries ahead of his time", Leonardo was actually very much a product of his time, and maybe (definitely) would not have flourished in modern times, as he was able to in his time.
This book investigates all of Leonardo's artistic and scientific interests, intermingled with bits of his biography. The writing maintains a pleasant balance between the narration of his life, the facts, and the author's points of view. I only wish it would have included more pictures, since the author spends a lot of time describing images that I always wanted to see.
I learned a lot that I never knew about Leonardo, but especially loved the conclusion, where the author poses the following: Why hasn't there been any other human being to match Leonardo, in his grand ingenuity? This raises some questions about the modern educational system and as an art teacher, these are issues about which I ask myself almost daily, and am glad that he acknowledged that even though people love to say Leonardo was "centuries ahead of his time", Leonardo was actually very much a product of his time, and maybe (definitely) would not have flourished in modern times, as he was able to in his time.
October 4, 2021
Das Buch versteht sich als Biographie Leonardos. Leider verbringt der Autor für mich zuviel Zeit damit Leonardo zu verteidigen. Der Inhalt ist zwar ganz interessant, aber es hätte mehr Potential im Thema gesteckt.
May 18, 2010
Before reading this exploration of Leonardo Da Vinci's work, I couldn't see what was so great about the Mona Lisa. Now, Stefan Klein has convinced me why Leonardo was ahead of his time in so many ways.
This Leonardo is eternally curious, a man of creativity and ideas, who believed that art and science went hand-in-hand. He used his scientific studies of optics, anatomy, flight, and the movement of water to create his art. He drew incredibly detailed, artistic depictions of his many inventions. Ironically, he also created designs for weapons of mass destruction, including a giant crossbow and poison gas.
So why is there no Leonardo of our generation? The author points out that Leonardo Da Vinci would never have been successful today, with our modern focus on specialization, in our education and careers. Pity--the book makes a strong case for eclecticism and pursuing all your curiosities, wherever they make take you.
This Leonardo is eternally curious, a man of creativity and ideas, who believed that art and science went hand-in-hand. He used his scientific studies of optics, anatomy, flight, and the movement of water to create his art. He drew incredibly detailed, artistic depictions of his many inventions. Ironically, he also created designs for weapons of mass destruction, including a giant crossbow and poison gas.
So why is there no Leonardo of our generation? The author points out that Leonardo Da Vinci would never have been successful today, with our modern focus on specialization, in our education and careers. Pity--the book makes a strong case for eclecticism and pursuing all your curiosities, wherever they make take you.
August 5, 2020
3+
An accessible survey of Leonardo's voracious mind & variety of work, broken into topics he seemed most preoccupied by and how he tackled them. Grounded, personal as well as researched, and a good translation of the original text in prose and concept.
This doesn't get bogged down into art history symbolism or lengthy biographical details or trying to divine meaning from details left behind. That doesn't make it lacking; there are already myriad art deconstructions and biographies and a-life-gleaned out there to delve into.
Reading along, one can't help but wonder how much more we would ascribe to his genius, and benefited from that he investigated and learned, if publishing and sharing his findings had been a priority.
Think of this as a bigger picture approach to answering the ongoing question of "Leonardo." Including some demystification and bringing him back down to earth a bit.
As the author himself aptly summarizes:
"Above all, however, Leonardo demonstrated how far a person can take research that has no set goal. Driven by curiosity, he worked for the sheer pleasure of understanding the world. His very lack of objective enabled him to advance to more horizons that anyone before or since and left him free to opt for the most interesting rather than the quickest route. Leonardo da Vinci showed us what man is capable of when liberated from the constraints and apparent certainties of the world. This is his true legacy."
Also grapples with a question I have often thought about myself -- how would such a divergent, unconventional polymath navigate today's paths to success. Would he be hindered (likely). Have fewer opportunities (likely). Narrow his focus from why not all questions to but one or two (likely). Bouncing from land to land, and patron to patron, without need of climbing a corporate or academic ladder and building a career in a time less constrained by specifics of civic engagement might be part of what created, and allowed, for Leonardo's mind to imagine and create so many things.
An accessible survey of Leonardo's voracious mind & variety of work, broken into topics he seemed most preoccupied by and how he tackled them. Grounded, personal as well as researched, and a good translation of the original text in prose and concept.
This doesn't get bogged down into art history symbolism or lengthy biographical details or trying to divine meaning from details left behind. That doesn't make it lacking; there are already myriad art deconstructions and biographies and a-life-gleaned out there to delve into.
Reading along, one can't help but wonder how much more we would ascribe to his genius, and benefited from that he investigated and learned, if publishing and sharing his findings had been a priority.
Think of this as a bigger picture approach to answering the ongoing question of "Leonardo." Including some demystification and bringing him back down to earth a bit.
As the author himself aptly summarizes:
"Above all, however, Leonardo demonstrated how far a person can take research that has no set goal. Driven by curiosity, he worked for the sheer pleasure of understanding the world. His very lack of objective enabled him to advance to more horizons that anyone before or since and left him free to opt for the most interesting rather than the quickest route. Leonardo da Vinci showed us what man is capable of when liberated from the constraints and apparent certainties of the world. This is his true legacy."
Also grapples with a question I have often thought about myself -- how would such a divergent, unconventional polymath navigate today's paths to success. Would he be hindered (likely). Have fewer opportunities (likely). Narrow his focus from why not all questions to but one or two (likely). Bouncing from land to land, and patron to patron, without need of climbing a corporate or academic ladder and building a career in a time less constrained by specifics of civic engagement might be part of what created, and allowed, for Leonardo's mind to imagine and create so many things.
January 14, 2020
*I read the German version, so I cannot attest to the quality of the English translation*
Loved it! I picked up this book when I realized that despite da Vinci's name being everywhere, I only had a very vague idea of his life and work. Certain key words like Mona Lisa, Italy, and Flying came to mind, but that was about it. After reading this book, I can say I definitely gained a clearer picture of da Vinci's life, his work and his impact on the world. And, as another reviewer said: This could have been a very dry book, but Klein managed to keep me interested for the entirety of it.
My favourite aspects about this book were:
- Rather than just following a linear biographical style, this book is organized around different topics of da Vinci's work and interests. To put da Vinci's accomplishments (and failures) into perspective, the author switches between past and present, between different periods of da Vinici's life, as well as between art and science, all while weaving them into an integrated picture. This variety is what keeps the book interesting all the way through.
- Considering all the theories and speculations surrounding da Vinci, I very much appreciated that the author is always clear about what has been established as a fact, and what is speculation. For controversial aspects, the author shines light on all sides of the debate, seemingly very unbiased. Neither buying into genius cult, nor siding with the radical skeptics/cynics, Klein is not afraid to leave a question unanswered if there is no proper evidence for either side.
I can imagine that for some this book might lack a certain depth, but for someone like me who was only passingly interested in the topic, this was a great read!
Loved it! I picked up this book when I realized that despite da Vinci's name being everywhere, I only had a very vague idea of his life and work. Certain key words like Mona Lisa, Italy, and Flying came to mind, but that was about it. After reading this book, I can say I definitely gained a clearer picture of da Vinci's life, his work and his impact on the world. And, as another reviewer said: This could have been a very dry book, but Klein managed to keep me interested for the entirety of it.
My favourite aspects about this book were:
- Rather than just following a linear biographical style, this book is organized around different topics of da Vinci's work and interests. To put da Vinci's accomplishments (and failures) into perspective, the author switches between past and present, between different periods of da Vinici's life, as well as between art and science, all while weaving them into an integrated picture. This variety is what keeps the book interesting all the way through.
- Considering all the theories and speculations surrounding da Vinci, I very much appreciated that the author is always clear about what has been established as a fact, and what is speculation. For controversial aspects, the author shines light on all sides of the debate, seemingly very unbiased. Neither buying into genius cult, nor siding with the radical skeptics/cynics, Klein is not afraid to leave a question unanswered if there is no proper evidence for either side.
I can imagine that for some this book might lack a certain depth, but for someone like me who was only passingly interested in the topic, this was a great read!
June 30, 2022
Kaua loetud kaunikene ehk juba aprillis alustatud teos, millega millegipärast alles mitu kuud hiljem lõpule jõudsin. Põhjusest ei saagi aru, sest on ju raamat küllaltki õhuke ja sisu tegelikult ülipõnev, samuti on Stefan Klein oma head ja selget kirjutamisvõimet mulle juba varasema lugemiselamusega tõestanud. Igal juhul on teose peategelane tänapäeva kõnepruugis multitalent Leonardo da Vinci. Enamasti tuntakse teda geniaalse maalikunstnikuna, vähem tuntud on võib-olla teadmine, et lisaks maalimisele tegeles ta tegelikult miljoni asjaga, milles paljudes võib näha oluliste leiutiste ja tänapäeva tarbeesemete sünnilugu (mõne näitena kas või lennukid või robotid). Muidugi ei jõudnud paljud Leonardo ideed joonistuste tasandilt kaugemale, kuid mõned, näiteks 16. sajandi troonipärija auks korraldatud banketil ringi tatsav mehaaniline lõvi põhjustas oma ajas enneolematu furoori. Autor lahkab ka leiutustööle taustaks olnud isiklikku elukäiku, tuues muu hulgas välja viisi, kuidas geenius (usun, et see pole tema kohta öelduna liialdus) oma tegevusele lähenes: intuitiivselt, loovalt ja probleemivabalt. Ehk peitubki selles edu võti, mitte vaid selles, kuid ka muus ajas.
Vaatamata sellele, et minul selle raamatu lugemisega nii palju aega läks, julgen soovitada. Mõnusalt kirjutatud ja korraliku ülevaate andev teos.
Vaatamata sellele, et minul selle raamatu lugemisega nii palju aega läks, julgen soovitada. Mõnusalt kirjutatud ja korraliku ülevaate andev teos.
June 2, 2021
This lens on biography - how one maintained a particular worldview promised so much and delivered less. I learned a lot yet wished for writing more attuned to the artistic vision of its subject.
Klein writes like a skilled technician, not an artist...yet there is much here about Da Vinci you didn't know, and great pleasure in discovering it.
Klein writes like a skilled technician, not an artist...yet there is much here about Da Vinci you didn't know, and great pleasure in discovering it.
December 21, 2021
Success!! I didn’t think I’d finish this book so quickly. The book deals with very complex concepts explored by da Vinci in his time, so at times it was hard to follow, but was overall incredibly written. Such good insight into who Leonardo da Vinci was as a person and, as the title implies, how his legacy is still vividly seen today.
July 1, 2020
The legend of the Rennaissance!
Good work. Even deals with his limitations, such as his difficulties with mathematics, which other works about daVinci seldom deal with. If you admire Leonardo, this is a good read.
Good work. Even deals with his limitations, such as his difficulties with mathematics, which other works about daVinci seldom deal with. If you admire Leonardo, this is a good read.
February 26, 2020
الكتاب مفيد جداً خصوصاً للباحثين في حياة دافينشي والمهتمين بيها.
December 10, 2022
Biographical. Focuses on the significance of Leonardo's process over his work.
August 17, 2024
"بينما كنت أعتقد أنني أتعلم كيف يعيش الإنسان، فإذا بي أتعلم كيف يموت"
March 7, 2022
Perfect beginner insight into the life of a long-passed genius.
January 17, 2017
A thoughtful and quite detailed account of possibly the greatest polymath to have ever lived. I learned a lot about Leonardo but I didn't find it the book itself be all that exciting - it feels like it was missing something, I cannot say what...
March 13, 2016
A most excellent biography of da Vinci. Well written with a chronology of his life and most importantly, how he thought! Da Vinci thought visually, therefore he was far more than a painter, and much of what he drew and wrote is still valid and in use today.
With little formal education he was able to visualize and translate his research into drawings and formulate theories of how things worked. His study of water movement was ground breaking. He was an engineer who design instruments of war, canals, buildings (including both fortified and palaces).
Stefan Klein traveled far and wide to research as many of Da Vinci's drawings, paintings and writings to impart to the reader just how great a man Leonardo da Vinci was. An amazing read!
With little formal education he was able to visualize and translate his research into drawings and formulate theories of how things worked. His study of water movement was ground breaking. He was an engineer who design instruments of war, canals, buildings (including both fortified and palaces).
Stefan Klein traveled far and wide to research as many of Da Vinci's drawings, paintings and writings to impart to the reader just how great a man Leonardo da Vinci was. An amazing read!
August 12, 2010
I need a little nonfiction right now, and who better than Da Vinci.
Anything about Da Vinci is riveting. This book was more about the genius of his perspective on the world and less about the genius of his accomplishments. I still think his drawings and experiments were outstanding. Even his theories and inventions that he never tested are quite amazing for his time.
The epilogue addressed that more Da Vincis could be out there in the world, but with the societies we've created for ourselves we may never find them. His genius lay in large part in the way he viewed the world and his ability to follow several different paths. That kind of outlook is not encouraged anymore.
Anything about Da Vinci is riveting. This book was more about the genius of his perspective on the world and less about the genius of his accomplishments. I still think his drawings and experiments were outstanding. Even his theories and inventions that he never tested are quite amazing for his time.
The epilogue addressed that more Da Vincis could be out there in the world, but with the societies we've created for ourselves we may never find them. His genius lay in large part in the way he viewed the world and his ability to follow several different paths. That kind of outlook is not encouraged anymore.
March 24, 2022
I read about half this book. I knew he was a genius but I didn't know "how" really. He was a visual. Not a scientist. Trying to solve flight, he couldn't get past his eyes. He kept trying to mimic wings flapping instead of the abstract concept of lift. So maybe he was a genius that us dullards could understand?
If you want a better review, read a different review. I found this book interesting but not inspiring. Meh for me. I kept picking it up and putting it down and after renewing it a third time, realized I just wasn't that into it.
If you want a better review, read a different review. I found this book interesting but not inspiring. Meh for me. I kept picking it up and putting it down and after renewing it a third time, realized I just wasn't that into it.
November 28, 2010
A look at Leonardo's notebooks and the way he looked at his world. He was an intuitive scientist without training. I loved that Klein mentions several times that Leonardo's math skills were very poor, but he was able to solve engineering problems using his drawing ability to work out the problem.
This could have been a boring book, but Klein keeps things interesting, shifting easily from present to past and back again.
This could have been a boring book, but Klein keeps things interesting, shifting easily from present to past and back again.
September 8, 2011
Leonardo was the man of a million talent. This book shows a number of his many jornal pages that details his thoughts and invention. When you read this book, you would see the many things of our world that Da Vinci had thought of. He truly was a man ahead of his time. This book contains invention like machines that were used for war and transportation. One of my favorites was that of his anatomy studies.
September 25, 2016
I read this a few years ago when I was obsessed with da Vinci. Super easy to read and interesting the entire time. Great book, hopefully I can read it again some day because Leonardo truly was an incredible man who lived a life worth reading about.
March 13, 2011
Da Vinci fascinates me beyond belief. What an intricate mind he possessed. I think the author captured that fabulously.
February 17, 2015
I found this book incredibly interesting, though I think that some of the author was over-exaggerating some of his life and the time period. Overall, this book was a great read.
March 30, 2011
Interesting content, but parts of it read like stereo instructions.
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February 16, 2019I have the german edition.
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