The Mind of Leonardo da Vinci (Dover Fine Art, History of Art)

In this classic, engrossing text, a distinguished historian explores the mind and manifold interests of the greatest personality of the Renaissance. More than just a biography, the book presents a detailed investigation of Leonardo da Vinci's genius. Its colorful, evocative prose offers numerous demonstrations of the master's achievements, not only in sculpture and painting, but also in music, engineering, and even experimental aviation.
A renowned authority on the works and personality of Leonardo, author Edward McCurdy translated many of the artist's writings. "In the thousands of pages of his manuscript he has left the mirror of his thought," McCurdy observes, "and there his mind may be seen at work, moving among the phenomena of nature and the inherited knowledge of antiquity, trying all things, expounding all things, proving all things." McCurdy begins by tracing the artist's travels, from his native Florence to Milan, Venice, Rome, and France. Part Two examines the manuscripts and their philosophical revelations, and the third section assesses the paintings and sculpture. First published in 1928, this book remains one of the best introductions to Leonardo and his extraordinary versatility.