Sarah Leonard, Reviewer, eBook Reviews Weekly
...completely new outlook on the genius of Leonardo....all the selections are too good not to be shared...

Book Description
Leonardo da Vinci entertained his patrons during court festivities by telling stories and "jests," or jokes, and riddles and magic tricks. Leonardo's archaic language and style have been updated by Brice-Smythe so that today's audience can appreciate these immortal ideas. Through this collection, you will enjoy the "lighter side" of Leonardo and see that not only was he a master Artist and Inventor, but an original Storyteller, as well. For ages 8 to 108.

Download Description
LEONARDO'S FABLES AND JESTS: RETOLD BY EDGAR HERBERT BRICE-SMYTHE. Leonardo da Vinci entertained his patrons during court festivities by telling stories and "jests," or jokes, and riddles and magic tricks. Until now, this "lighter side" of Leonardo has been unappreciated by the general public. In this collection, author Edgar Herbert Brice-Smythe has retold them in modern language so that today's audience can appreciate Leonardo's immortal ideas. Through this collection, you will enjoy another facet of Leonardo's genius. For not only was he a master Artist and Inventor, but an original Storyteller, as well. Read on.!

Excerpted from Leonardo's Fables and Jests: Retold by Edgar Herbert Brice-Smythe by Leonardo Da Vinci, Edgar Herbert Brice-Smythe. Copyright © 2003. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
THE MOUSE — A Fable — A little mouse was hiding in his hole, shaking with fear. Outside stood a mean, hungry weasel. "Go away!" the mouse squeaked. "Leave me alone!" "Never!" the weasel said. "You have to come out sometime. I am very patient. I will wait." Then a cat came by and suddenly pounced on the weasel and ate him up. The mouse came out of his hole and danced for joy. "Thank Heaven!" he cried. "I’m free!" The mouse was so busy celebrating that he didn’t see the cat until she pounced again.