Leonardo's Codex on the
Flight of Birds has been studied by many people, and it is almost certain that
Otto Lilienthal (the first man to fly) and the Wright brothers were familiar
with Leonardo's theories on flight from the 1893 incomplete edition of the codex.
Compiled between 1505 and
1506, the codex also reflects Leonardo's preoccupations as a painter at the
height of his powers.
The emphasis on precise
observation, and the conception of natural phenomena as dynamic and complex
processes involving wind, motion, and anatomy- are readily apparent in
Leonardo's painting of this period.
In addition to the studies
on birds, there are notes on mechanics as well as botany, architectural plans
and water studies.
In this edition the
facsimile is accompanied by a text volume by Augusto Marinoni containing
introduction, diplomatic and critical transcriptions, and indexes.
A leather-covered box (size 250 x 360 mm), with gold stamping, contains
the facsimile and a text volume of 90 pages printed on handmade paper and bound
in Fabriano paper.
Also available in English
language (in the edition published by Johnson Reprint Corporation, New York)
and in French language.
