From a misunderstood boyhood through a manhood that was at least partially if not wholly misunderstood too, Leonardo da Vinci is traced in a biography that explains his many sided character and the more important of his amazing ideas in simple terms. The political background of a turbulent Italy, the wars of the Medicis and Borgias are recounted as they had meaning for much of Leonardo's life and gave rise to some of the inventions. A stimulating first view of an innovator, this holds its own with the many books for this age group.