Before you is the most complete biography of Leonardo da Vinci, the greatest genius of the Renaissance. Although his achievements and creations aroused universal admiration over the centuries, this man always remained surprisingly private, which at all times gave rise to numerous rumors and versions about his adherence to dark cults, participation in sinister secret societies, and involvement in the greatest secrets of Western civilization. His life remains a mystery today in many ways. The author of this book, Charles Nicoll, is responsible for many discoveries related to da Vinci and his immediate circle - he even managed to discover a previously unknown portrait of the great artist. In his book, relying on a huge amount of evidence from contemporaries and the notebooks of Leonardo himself, the author created a stunningly detailed description of the daily life of the brilliant Italian, brilliantly combining the depth of genuine academic research with elements of a breathtaking work of art.