A famous subject. A thrilling heist. Mystery and intrigue, energetic illustrations, and a fast-paced engaging narrative that you can devour in an afternoon. What more could you want?
It is hard to imagine in today's world that until the early 20th century (August 21, 1911, to be exact) the Mona Lisa was a relatively unknown piece of art, with nowhere near the level of fame and recognition that it has today. Even less well known to the average reader (or at least to me!) is the history of this painting - how did it come to be exist? What was happening in the life of Leonardo da Vinci that led him to paint this now-famous work of art? Who stole it in 1911? And why do I care so much?
This book answers these questions and more, telling a gripping story that opens on our heist and paints a thrilling picture, jumping between the investigation of the theft and the life of da Vinci. I read it in a couple hours, riveted and invested in things that I never though I would be. Hand this one to anyone interested in history, art, heists, or great storytelling.