World History Biographies: Leonardo da Vinci: The Genius Who Defined the Renaissance (National Geographic World History Biographies) [Hardcover]

John Phillips (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 3 and up | Grade Level: P and up | Series: National Geographic World History Biographies

The original "Renaissance Man" was a scientist, a painter, a sculptor, an architect, a military engineer, an inventor, and a musician. Although he died in 1519, he left a rich legacy of learning in scores of notebooks. These included the first detailed drawings of the human anatomy, pioneering notes on the structure and growth of plants, and even detailed diagrams of machinery from which modern-day engineers have constructed prototypes. His 15th century imagination envisaged tanks and helicopters, and he even used mirror (or backward) writing to protect his ideas. The genius of Leonardo da Vinci continues to inspire and to intrigue each new generation of students throughout the world.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

John Phillips lives in Cheshire, England.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Hardcover: 64 pages
• Publisher: National Geographic Children's Books (March 14, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 079225385X
• ISBN-13: 978-0792253853
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #639,260 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Terrific Primer on Leonardo Da Vinci, July 9, 2010

By 

Jason Golomb (Northern Virginia) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: World History Biographies: Leonardo da Vinci: The Genius Who Defined the Renaissance (National Geographic World History Biographies) (Paperback)

Targeted at grade-schoolers, this book from National Geographic provides a beautifully illustrated overview of the life and works of the famous Renaissance Man. The book includes numerous photos and reprints of Da Vinci's most famous works, and well as reproductions of some of his designs.

While he's most famous for The Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, Da Vinci, in fact, only completed a few paintings during his lifetime, magnificent though they may be. Da Vinci painted, sculpted, created sets for plays, and designed numerous machines for war.

The book is well-written, and is designed and laid out beautifully. The amazing imagery used in the book makes for a great way to introduce Leonardo and the Renaissance.