This engaging book places Leonardo da Vinci's scientific achievements within the wider context
of the rapid development that occurred during the Renaissance. It demonstrates how his
contributions were not in fact born of isolated genius but rather part of a rich period of
collective advancement in science and technology which began at least 50 years prior to his
birth. Readers will discover a very special moment in history when creativity and imagination
were changing the future-shaping our present. They will be amazed to discover how many
technological inventions had already been conceived or even designed by the engineers and
inventors who preceded Leonardo such as Francesco di Giorgio and Taccola the so-called Siena
engineers. This engaging volume features a wealth of illustrations from a variety of original
sources such as manuscripts and codices enabling the reader to see and judge for him or
herself the influence that other Renaissance engineers and inventors had on Leonardo.
