Books about Leonardo da Vinci: my favorite ones
Leonardo da Vinci is an inspiration for people all over the world since 500 years. So many books were written about him, and many others were made publishing his notes, drawings and paintings. I am often asked what are my favorite or the best books about Leonardo da Vinci and which ones I would recommend. So I have put together the best titles about him that you can find around in English language.
Books about Leonardo da Vinci
I picked some biographies, some art and photo books and a couple of children’s books.
You can buy them on Amazon by clicking on the links in this post. Or ask them to your local bookshop!
Biographies about Leonardo da Vinci
Leonardo da Vinci – by Walter Isaacson
From the bestselling author and biographer Walter Isaacson, this book is an intimate and historically accurate portrait of Leonardo da Vinci. His childhood, family, passions and troubles come alive from the pages of Leonardo da Vinci by Walter Isaacson.
No need to say that Isaacson knows how to turn people’s lives into fascinating adventures, but the life of Leonardo was really adventurous and interesting so there was no need to spice it up. It deserved to be told with every detail!
Oil and Marble – by Stephanie Storey
Oil and Marble by Stephanie Storey is a fictional biography, but the story really happened and the way that the author tells it is very plausible. The story revolves around the competition and rivalry between Leonardo and the younger Michelangelo, both busy painting the walls of Palazzo Vecchio in Florence in 1503.
- Here you can find also the best books about Michelangelo!
Art and photography books
Complete Paintings and drawings – Taschen
I love Taschen’s art books, so full of beautiful images, and the one on Leonardo is no exception. Complete Paintings and Drawings by Taschen it’s a book to leaf through often and to show to friends.
As the title says, it collects all the paintings and drawings of Leonardo da Vinci, thus offering a complete picture of the artistic work of the Renaissance genius.
Leonardo’s Notebooks
A collection of all the known papers that Leonardo wrote during his life. Hundreds of pages of his notes, jottings, sketches, doodles, and musings, including lists of books he read and even scraps of financial records.
Lenoardo’s notebooks doesn’t includes the drawings. You can find those in the Taschen’s volume mentioned above.
Leonardo da Vinci. The 100 Milestones. By Martin Kemp
Author Martin Kemp is a world renowned da Vinci expert. In this book he explores 100 of the master’s milestones in science, art, engineering, anatomy and architecture.
Leonardo da Vinci. The 100 Milestones is beautifully illustrated, and to me is definitely one of the best books about Leonardo da Vinci. Highly recommended!
Children’s books about Leonardo da Vinci
The story of Leonardo da Vinci: a biography book for new readers
I love giving this book to children, they always enjoy it. This humorous biography has colorful illustrations, a lot of fun and less known facts, and it’s highly engaging.
Children will be surely inspired by The Story of Leonardo da Vinci – a biography for new readers, learning how he turned from a curious kid to a full grown genius.
Leonardo da Vinci. Extraordinary Machines – Pop-up book
Pop-up books are a perfect gift both for kids and for grown-up kids. The pages of this one brings up to tridimensional life some of the most extraordinary and futuristic machines that Leonardo designed, giving an insight on how they work. Leonardo da Vinci Extraordinary Machines pop-up book.
I hope that you found some useful reading tips here, I wish you happy reading!
Searching for more books? Here are some of the best books about the Medici of Florence!
If you want to know more about the Renaissance genius read also:
- Fun facts about Leonardo da Vinci
- Leonardo’s Flying machines
- Leonardo’s first painting
- What to do in Vinci
