I’ve just completed two amazing biographies by Walter Isaacson: one is about Da Vinci and the other, Einstein. I could hardly believe that Einstein “…was slow to talk.” His parents even consulted a doctor about it and were told “…give it time.” The family maid dubbed him the dopey one and others in the family feared he “would never learn.” Einstein? The man who changed our view of the universe? A dope who would never learn? He showed them!
And Da Vinci? He peeled flesh off the faces of cadavers, drew muscles that moved lips as a way of preparing for painting The Mona Lisa. Isaacson shows how Leonardo’s genius was based on skills we can all use to improve ourselves: passionate curiosity, careful observation and imagination.
I’ve always loved reading biographies but these took my breath away. I think I’m ready now to read the two volumes Peter Guralnick wrote about Elvis: Last Train to Memphis and Careless Love.
