This book is both a revelatory biography and an accessible study of Leonardo's life and multi-faceted work as a scientist and engineer. It covers all aspects of the man's life but is also a re-interpretation of the voluminous evidence to paint an original picture of Leonardo da Vinci not only as the archetypal polymath, but as the first true scientist. Topics include:
* A detailed investigation of how Leonardo's manuscripts and notebooks were lost to the world and kept secret during his own lifetime and how this altered the progress of science.
* A thorough analysis of his work as a scientist and how he predated many of the great figures of the 16th and 17th centuries, including Galileo, Kepler, William Harvey, Francis Bacon and Isaac Newton.
* Leonardo's legacy -- what did Leonardo leave in his notebooks and how may they be viewed in the light of modern scientific understanding? What did he achieve in science?

* Full-colour ad campaign in THE TIMES and GUARDIAN (combined r/ship: 2,951,000) * Author PR activity to include media interviews * To be submitted for major trade promotions * Review round-ups in the national press

About the Author
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.

Reviews
White's level-headed assessments of the scientific content of Leonardo's surviving works are characteristically clear and easy to follow . . . [White] sifts fact from opinion in the works of his predecessors, and conveys his own enthusiasm and admiration for his subject * LITERARY REVIEW *
A lively and often informative book * SUNDAY TIMES *
By focusing on the motivational aspects of science, White successfully expands the definition of the term "scientist" . . . [Leonardo's] spirit is present in White's careful scholarship and independence of mind * TES *
Wholly fascinating. * INDEPENDENT *



Book Information
ISBN 9780349112749
Author Michael White
Format Paperback
Page Count 384
Imprint Abacus
Publisher Little, Brown Book Group
Weight(grams) 264g
Dimensions(mm) 196mm * 134mm * 26mm