Leonardo da Vinci: A Life From Beginning to End Paperback – November 14, 2016 by Hourly History (Hourly History)

Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) had one of the greatest intellect of all humans. He was interested in everything. Although he may not have had a formal education, he taught himself. He was the original and ultimate renaissance man. Even people who know little about art know about the Mona Lisa that he painted. Hourly History tells us about the renaissance and about this man, Leonardo’s personal life, his artistic beginnings, early paintings, scientific studies, studies of anatomy, engineering, his inventions, and his later life and death. Among much else, he invented contact lenses, contended the earth is older than 4,000 years, cared for animals, and mastered many subject, even music, architecture, and sculpture. He aided the great painters Raphael and Michelangelo.

Having read many Hourly History books, I had an idea what to expect. However, this book on da Vinci differs from the rest.

Judging from the writing style, “Leonardo da Vinci, A Life From Beginning to End” appears to have been written for a younger audience, perhaps junior high age. As such, it is a good introduction to da Vinci for young readers who don’t know many of Leonardo’s accomplishments past the Mona Lisa. Other readers who are somewhat familiar with da Vinci may find this book lacking.

In a small book like this one, the author must make decisions and sacrifices. I would have preferred the ruminations over da Vinci’s sex life would have been left out, thus permitting additional information concerning some of his ideas and inventions. There is much that is not included (such as some of the inventions he imagined which didn’t come to fruition until centuries later). The author did include an extensive history of da Vinci’s early life and his accomplishments as an artist.

Chapter Nine (Facts about Leonardo da Vinci) was interesting, a potpourri of information. This was my favorite part of the book, although I wish it would have been longer than two pages.

Bottom line: Great book for those who know little about da Vinci, but not enough meat for people who have knowledge of the many accomplishments this man fit into his lifetime.