Man with Wings

The Story of Leonardo da Vinci

De: Joseph Cottler

Narrado por: Robert Mansell

A biography of the Aeronautical Engineer, and artistically talented Anatomist, Leonardo da Vinci.

Today most people remember Leonardo for his few surviving anatomically correct works of art. They forget that Leonardo spent most of his life experimenting and designing automated machines. He constantly observed the mechanics of nature. He dissected human bodies, carefully recording the workings of muscles and organs. He studied optics, sound and light, gravity, heliocentric celestial mechanics, physical geology, fluid dynamics, and especially the flight of birds. Leonardo believed that machines could be built, using levers, gears, and pulleys, that could reproduce the efforts of men, birds, and fish; and be used to create huge civil engineering projects. Some of his unique creations, designed years before the birth of their famous so-called "inventors", included pre-fabricated housing, practical indoor plumbing, armored cars, machine guns, armor clad ships, submarines, lenses, mechanical music machines, robots, transmission gears, roller bearings, brakes, streamlining, aeroplane propellers, parachutes, and gliders.

©2008 CoolBeat Audiobooks (P)2008 CoolBeat Audiobooks

Fanciful Telling...

of the life, work and times of one of the great geniuses of history. This would probably best serve as a primer for a high school student or someone first encountering the work of the great artist, but it is well-told enough to engage even someone who has done more extensive reading in the area of da Vinci and the Renaissance world.

Overly dramatic

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

not sure

What was most disappointing about Joseph Cottler’s story?

There are entire passages of fabricated dialogue. Don't give me what you THINK was said: just give me the facts.

How could the performance have been better?

A little less drama. He did the best he could considering the material.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

not that I can see

Any additional comments?

Overly dramatic writing and overly dramatic reading.

Inspiring and informative

Excellent biography on the master of the renaissance.
Narration did Leonardo justice.
Recommended to anyone who thinks Leonardo was just a painter.