This text tells Leonardo's life story from his childhood near the Italian town of Vinci to his role as "First Painter, Architect and Mechanic" of France during the reign of King Louis XII. It looks at his investigations into flying machines, submarines, tanks and hundreds of other devices centuries before they were invented. His method of working paved the way for modern science and the text explores the impact this had on world history. The science behind his investigations is explained with diagrams, and quotes from Leonardo and his contemporaries give insight into this "Renaissance man's" mind. The text supports the Key Stage 2 History National Curriculum as Leonardo da Vinci is a significant individual pupils could study in "Britain and the wider world in Tudor times". It also supports the Key Stage 2 Science National Curriculum as Leonardo's methods of research are fully explained in science boxes, helping pupils understand that it is important to collect evidence by making observations and measurements - enabling them to build up their investigative skills.

Author Biography

Stewart Ross is a popular, prize-winning children's author. He has written over one hundred books for children. Stewart taught History, English and Politics for ten years to children of all ages.