The great artist and scientist of the Renaissance LEONARDO DA VINCI (1452-1519) appears in this book as a subtle and wise writer. His tales and parables became available to our reader thanks to the translations of Alexander Borisovich Makhov, who worked for many years in Italy, a connoisseur of history, literature and art, winner of the gold medal of the Italian Republic for translations of Italian poetry. The book you hold in your hands is a happy combination of the results of the work of these outstanding personalities, separated by several centuries.