An exciting portrait of the man considered the last universal genius, guiding us on a journey through the history of ideas.

Leibniz's biography for our times. It's difficult to do justice to his rich intellect, but Kempe succeeds. - Daniel Kehlmann, author of Measuring the World

Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz was one of the most remarkable thinkers in history, a universal genius comparable to Leonardo da Vinci or Benjamin Franklin, yet comparatively less known. In this thought-expanding biography, historian Michael Kempe charts an exciting course through Leibniz's work, illuminating the ongoing influence of his unparalleled contributions to knowledge.

Recreating seven critical days in Leibniz's life, Kempe presents us with a great mind in action, full of ideas that would change the course of mathematics and philosophy, even laying early foundations for modern digital culture. We find him in Paris, working from his bed amidst a sea of notes as he first drafts the basis of modern calculus. Later, in Vienna, he enjoys a coffee while discovering unexpected connections between biology and mathematics.

Convinced that everything is deeply interconnected, Leibniz experienced an exhilarating optimism that allowed him to build bridges between faith and reason, physics and metaphysics – and to harness the unceasing potential of a unique mind within a single day.

Pages: 304, Dimensions: 12.9x12.9cm