Michael White is a former science writer for GQ magazine. In a previous incarnation he was a member of the Thompson Twins pop group, before becoming a full-time writer in 1991.
Leonardo da Vinci is usually thought of as the consummate Renaissance manDthe perfect blend of art and science. Yet almost all biographies focus on his accomplishments as an artist and engineer. This biography provides us with an examination of Leonardo as a man and scientist. White who has published 15 earlier works, many of which are biographies of prominent scientists (Isaac Newton; Darwin: A Life in Science), has produced a highly readable account of Leonardo's life and scientific accomplishments. The author explores Leonardo's research notebooks and discusses his subject's homosexuality and relationships to such Renaissance figures as Niccol Machiavelli and Cesare Borgia. The admiration the author has for his subject is evident, and, as a result, his book is a pleasurable read. Nicely illustrated and intended for general readers, it will also be of interest to scholars. Highly recommended for all libraries.DJames Olson, Northeastern Illinois Univ., Chicago Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.
It's not easy writing a biography of a legendary figure like Leonardo da Vinci, one whose life has already been well chronicled by numerous others. White (Stephen Hawking: A Life in Science, etc.) takes on this task to demonstrate that, in addition to his artistic mastery and engineering acumen, Leonardo boasted scientific advances and insights that qualify him as the first scientist. Born more than 100 years before Francis BaconÄwho for his work in defining the scientific method is generally credited with this designationÄLeonardo wrote about experimentation in a surprisingly modern manner. He focused his attention primarily on optics, human anatomy, flight, geography and geology, making significant advances in each field. "Quite simply, if Leonardo had chosen to concentrate upon only one of the areas of research he tackled and had even then come up with the results he did, he would still be remembered today for his genius and imagination," writes White. Sadly, virtually none of Leonardo's scientific work was published during his life and much was lost over the ensuing generations. In his scientific endeavors, as with most of his other areas of interest, Leonardo was a very private person and one who seemed unable to fully finish tasks. Although there's not much new material here, White does an amiable job of presenting Leonardo and his times in a fresh manner. 35 b&w photos. (Aug.) Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.
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