Inventing Leonardo
A masterpiece of critical thinking, this eloquent and wide-ranging study aims to create an outline history of Western thought by reviewing the life and legacies of a great master. Turner explores Leonardo da Vinci's reputation throughout the past four centuries, chronicling his evolution from little-known and misunderstood theoretician to revered icon present in all artistic hagiographies. In addition to many others, the writings of Paul Valery and Walter Pater regain a prominence they've long lacked, and Giorgio Vasari's famous early biography receives a thorough examination. Turner's eloquence builds up to the final section, "Leonardo Now," which brilliantly caps the book by looking at the artist through the lens of 1990s philosophical issues--the "late modern" age considering the early modern. Central to Turner's thesis is his assertion of Leonardo's relevance, given the present-day obsession with individual autonomy and order in an increasingly violent and disunited world. Despite the ambition of his project, Turner has gracefully avoided making excessive generalizations and has produced a fascinating and learned historical investigation. Highly recommended for academic and large public libraries.- Douglas F. Smith, Oakland P.L., Cal.Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.