In his book, a direct descendant of Francesco Melzi, the closest friend and student of Leonardo da Vinci - Gian Vico Melzi d'Eril reconstructs the biography of Leonardo, traces the life of paintings and manuscripts that the author's ancestor Francesco Melzi inherited. The genius of painting and science is shown in everyday life and in periods of inspiration and creation of his great creations. The book sheds light on many secrets, introduces little-known details - and reads like a detective story based on real events.