Books Like...

Ross King's book 'Leonardo and the Last Supper' delves into the intricate creation process of one of Leonardo da Vinci's most famous works. The author provides a sweeping view of the painting's development, set against the backdrop of the tumultuous history of Italy in the late fifteenth century. King covers various aspects such as Leonardo's biography, the political and economic context of the time, the painting's content based on Biblical sources, and the actual making of the masterpiece. Through a combination of historical facts and storytelling, readers get a detailed insight into the life of the enigmatic genius and the significance of 'The Last Supper' in shaping Leonardo's legacy.

The book is praised for its comprehensive coverage of Leonardo's life and the historical context surrounding the creation of 'The Last Supper'. King's writing style is described as lively and engaging, making the wealth of information presented in the book constantly interesting. Readers appreciate the fact-filled narrative that not only details da Vinci's challenges in creating the iconic painting but also provides a broader understanding of the Renaissance period and Italian history.

'Mad Enchantment' by Ross King is a captivating account of Claude Monet's last years, focusing on his passion for painting, struggles with declining health, and personal relationships. Through a blend of historical context and intimate details, the book delves into Monet's world at Giverny, his dedication to creating art despite challenges, and his close friendship with Georges Clemenceau. Readers are taken on a journey through Monet's final artistic endeavors, particularly the Grand Decoration series, while also gaining insight into the artist's humanistic features and the historical backdrop of France during World War I.

'Brunelleschi's Dome: How a Renaissance Genius Reinvented Architecture' by Ross King is a fascinating account of the design and construction of the dome on the Duomo in Florence, Italy. It delves into the life and work of Filippo Brunelleschi, the genius architect behind this architectural marvel, showcasing his innovative techniques and engineering feats. Through detailed descriptions and historical facts, the book paints a vivid picture of the challenges and triumphs faced during the construction of one of the largest masonry domes in the world. King skillfully weaves together the technical aspects of architecture with the human drama and political intrigues of Renaissance Florence, providing a comprehensive insight into the creation of this iconic structure.

'Go Like Hell: Ford, Ferrari, and Their Battle for Speed and Glory at Le Mans' by author A.J. Baime is a gripping tale about the duel for supremacy of the Le Mans races during the 1960s. It covers the intense rivalry between the Ford Company and the Scuderia Ferrari, detailing how the Ford Motorcar Company from Detroit contracted the Motorsport virus. The narrative unfolds successfully, showcasing the fascination of 1960s motorsports and how the Vingt-quatre Heures Du Mans endurance race rivaled Formula 1 in terms of public interest. delves into the rich material of the story, including Ford's attempts to buy Ferrari, the development of an automobile to win at Le Mans, and the battle between Ford and Ferrari as told from the perspectives of the people who were there.

'India: A History' by John Keay is a comprehensive overview of India's history from ancient times to the present day. The book delves into various aspects of Indian history, including the impact of British colonization, the Mughal dynasty, and the partition of India in 1947. Keay's writing style is described as high-grade journalism, presenting the information in an articulate and engaging manner that makes the complex history of India understandable and entertaining.

Oil and Marble: A Novel of Leonardo and Michelangelo by Stephanie Storey is a captivating historical fiction novel that brings together two iconic artists of the 16th century, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. Set in Florence from 1501 to 1505, the book explores the lives, rivalries, and artistic endeavors of these two geniuses as they navigate through commissions, relationships, and personal struggles. Through vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling, the author delves into the competitive and tempestuous relationship between the older, wiser Leonardo and the young, ambitious Michelangelo, shedding light on their creative processes and masterpieces.

"Leonardo da Vinci" by Walter Isaacson is an in-depth biography that delves into the life and work of the legendary artist, inventor, and thinker. The book offers a comprehensive look at Leonardo da Vinci's genius, exploring his art, engineering, science, and curiosity through detailed accounts from his notebooks and supporting documents. Walter Isaacson's writing style brings Leonardo's era to life in vivid color, painting a picture of a complex and fascinating individual who was ahead of his time in his pursuits and innovations.

'The Forger's Spell' by Edward Dolnick is a multifaceted book that delves into the fascinating world of art forgery during the 1930s and 1940s. It narrates the story of Han Van Meegeren, a forger who specialized in creating and selling fake Vermeer paintings to art experts and even Nazi art collector Hermann Goering. The book explores Van Meegeren's techniques, the historical context of Nazi looting of Europe, and the art world's gullibility. Through a blend of biography, history, and art forgery, the book sheds light on the intricate deception and the consequences faced by the forger when his true identity is revealed.

The narrative of 'The Forger's Spell' is described as a roller coaster ride through the art world during World War II, showcasing the egos of various individuals involved in the deception. From the forger's ambition to the art historian's fascination and the Nazi leader's avid art collecting, the book weaves a tale of misattributions, groupthink, and the power dynamics within the art world. It explores themes of illusion versus reality, the psychology of forgery, and the consequences faced by those involved in the intricate web of deceit.

'China: A History' by John Keay is a comprehensive exploration of China's rich history, covering its evolution from ancient times to modern days. Keay's writing style is praised for being clear, informative, and engaging, making the dense subject matter accessible to readers. The book delves into major dynasties, political struggles, cultural shifts, and the impact of external influences on China's development over the centuries. Readers appreciate the detailed overview provided by Keay, which includes insights into the philosophical, social, and technological advancements that shaped Chinese civilization.

'Caravaggio: A Life Sacred and Profane' by Andrew Graham-Dixon is a comprehensive biography that delves deep into the life and works of the enigmatic painter Caravaggio. The author provides detailed descriptions of Caravaggio's paintings and skillfully dispels popular myths surrounding the artist, leaving readers with a profound understanding of this remarkable figure. The book is a mix of biography and art appreciation, offering insights into Caravaggio's tumultuous life and the impact of his works on the author himself.