‘Florenzer’ Explores “A Boldly Queer Life” for Leonardo da Vinci (Exclusive) [Video]

Phil Melanson’s new book Florenzer revisits one of history’s favorite figures — in a surprisingly accurate way.

Leonardo da Vinci was a renowned painter, sculptor, engineer, scientist, theorist and artist during the Italian Renaissance in Florence. And though many books leave this detail out, he loved men.

Florenzer, out June 10, is a historical drama that “explores the dangerous pursuit of artistic and political achievement,” according to a press release from Liveright Publishing Corporation shared with PEOPLE.

The novel weaves together the lives of young Leonardo da Vinci, Francesco Salviati and Lorenzo de’ Medici.

“Each is, in his own way, a son of Florence,” the synopsis reads. “Each will, when their paths cross, shed blood on Florence’s streets.”

Florenzer means something very specific, Melanson explained. In addition to being a destination for art and science, Florence was Europe’s main gathering place for men who were attracted to other men — so “Florenzer” became …