101 Things You Didn't Know about Da Vinci: Inventions, Intrigue, and Unfinished Works

by Shana Priwer, Cynthia Phillips

Timed to coincide with the release of Walter Isaacson’s latest biography on the famous painter and inventor, as well as the latest thriller in Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code series, this book includes 101 in-depth facts about Leonardo Da Vinci.

101 Things You Didn’t Know About Da Vinci provides you with all the fascinating facts you didn’t know about the famous artist, inventor, and creator of the Mona Lisa and the Vitruvian Man, including details about his personal life, information about his inventions and art, his interactions with his contemporaries, and his impact on the world since his death.

Some facts
—Da Vinci was left handed, and wrote from right to left, even writing his letters backwards.
—Da Vinci’s The Last Supper started peeling off the wall almost immediately upon completion, due to a combination of the type of paint Leonardo used and the humidity
—Among Leonardo’s many inventions and creations was a mechanical lion he created to celebrate the coronation of King François I of France

Whether you’re seeking inspiration, information, or interesting and entertaining facts about history’s most creative genius, 101 Things You Didn’t Know About Da Vinci has just what you’re looking for!

Genres: Biography, History, Nonfiction

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Kest Schwartzman]

The best thing I can say about this book is that each "thing" takes just about the same amount of time to read as it takes me to shit in the morning.

The worst thing is that almost none of the "things" are based on fact or research, so even though I otherwise would just be staring at a wall, I still somehow felt like I wasted time on this.

[Phil]

While most of the information in this book is good and interesting, there are a few bone-headed errors I have noticed, like on page 188 where it states that John Calvin left Switzerland in 1583 (he died in 1564) and then returned in 1541. Unless I am mistaken, Mr. Calvin did not have access to a time machine.

Another great laugh-out-loud error is on page 80 where one of the sentences begins "It was a motley crüe of painting..." I think they meant "motley crew" unless Nikki Sixx, Mick Mars, Tommy Lee and Vince Neil borrowed John Calvin's time machine and sat in as models for Leonardo.

Those errors aside, the thing that drives me up the wall with this book is the constant idiotic commentary, like "Boy, that's a good excuse for not finishing a project! and "Whether it's yard gnomes, porcelain Santas, or pink flamingos, most of us appreciate some form of small outdoor sculpture." These kinds of remarks pop up every page or two. And while I understand that the authors want to avoid making the book dry and boring - that's good - can't they at least do it in a way that doesn't come across as if they're writing for 2nd graders? That would be okay in a children's book, but this isn't one.

[Beth Meyers]

Not as informative as I had hoped. Very simplistic writing style.

[Rachel Bodner]

Terrible writing and full of misinformation. Lots of unnecessary connectives like “read on” or “one example is”. Redundant statements throughout. I’d think the author forgot she already shared the particular info, except she’d often preface it by mentioning she wrote about it earlier! Definitions of words and basic explanations of some religious tenets are completely wrong. Her explanation of dyslexia is totally erroneous. Fortunately, most people will have the sense to stop reading before they get to that part, so she won’t have a chance to spread dangerous myths about this common disability. I don’t know why I punished myself, but I have a tendency to feel like I need to complete a book once I start. I shouldn’t have.

[Justin]

I usually like to compliment books and say something like, "this is a nice coffee table book." Sadly this is more of a bathroom book. Very repetitive. It would have garnered more stars from me if the book contained illustrations. That was my biggest problem with this book. Fairly rich in descriptive detail, but pictures to go along with those words would have gone a long way to making this book better.

If you get at a garage sale, pick it up for fun. If not, give it a pass.

[Muhammad Haque]

Okay couldn't finish the book though I tried for this past several days. The material was 'kinda' interesting but the writing style or the presentation was not much good at all unfortunately.
Better watch a documentary on leonardo to know more about him.

[Mo]

Dry as dust. I made it through 5 chapters and didn't learn a single thing of interest.

[Mazen Alloujami]

Interesting, but there is no real secrets as the title pretends reveal.

[Richard Meehan]

Not a biography at all comparable to Walter Isa son's but a fun read none the less. Especially if Leonardo Da Vinci is one of your all time hero's.

[Pat]

This little book was easy to read and enlightening. I liked it quite a lot.