Gr 5-8-Each of these tall, slender volumes packs in many fascinating details about the artist and the times in which he lived. Topical spreads include a clearly written introductory paragraph, several captioned photos and reproductions, a running chronology, and numerous supplementary explanations and sidebars. With this format, it is at times difficult to take in the overwhelming amount of material. The first book offers information about da Vinci's work as a great painter, sculptor, scientist, and engineer. Michelangelo, a painter who preferred to be known as a sculptor, was also an architect and poet. The many color reproductions of the artists' works and modern drawings are as informative as the texts. These titles would make interesting browsing material for students needing extra sources for biographical reports. Robin Richmond's Introducing Michelangelo (Chrysalis, 2002) is easier to read but does not contain as many details. Richard B. McLanathan's Leonardo Da Vinci (Abrams, 1990) is a much smoother read, as is Diane Stanley's Leonardo da Vinci (HarperCollins, 1996).-Lynn K. Vanca, Akron-Summit County Public Library, Richfield, OH Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.