“Leonardo Da Vinci” by Walter Isaacson is a detailed and thoughtful biography of one of the most curious and brilliant minds in history. The book was pretty good overall, though I found it a little long-winded in places.
What I really enjoyed were the parts about science and math — how Leonardo understood that nature followed mathematical principles, even though he didn’t have the formal training to fully explain them. Isaacson does a great job using Leonardo’s notebooks to show how his mind worked and how he constantly asked questions about everything, from how birds fly to how the heart pumps blood. I also liked the theme of learning for its own sake — Leonardo wasn’t always trying to be practical; he was just obsessed with figuring things out. That kind of passion is inspiring.
On the other hand, I thought the chapters focused on his paintings dragged a bit, but that’s probably just because I’m more interested in science than art. Still, the book makes it clear how his artistic and scientific sides were connected, which was interesting to think about. Isaacson’s writing blends history, biography, and storytelling in a way that makes Leonardo feel like a real person, not just a name from a textbook.
Three words that describe this book: Curious, detailed, inspiring
You might want to pick this book up if: You might pick up this book if you’re interested in how a genius like Leonardo da Vinci thought and worked. It’s a great read for anyone curious about the Renaissance or how one person could be both an incredible artist and a groundbreaking scientist. If you enjoy biographies that blend science, art, history, and storytelling, this book does that really well. It also appeals to readers who are inspired by the idea of learning for the sake of curiosity, not just for practical reasons. Even if you’re not deeply into art, there’s a lot to enjoy in the way Leonardo’s mind explored everything from anatomy to engineering.
-Robbie
This reader review was submitted as part of Adult Summer Reading. We will continue to share them throughout the year.
