Umberto Eco’s first novel, an international sensation and winner of the Premio Strega and the Prix Médicis Étranger awards
The year is 1327. Franciscans in a wealthy Italian abbey are suspected of heresy, and Brother William of Baskerville arrives to investigate. When his delicate mission is suddenly overshadowed by seven bizarre deaths, Brother William turns detective. His tools are the logic … detective. His tools are the logic of Aristotle, the theology of Aquinas, the empirical insights of Roger Bacon — all sharpened to a glistening edge by wry humor and a ferocious curiosity. He collects evidence, deciphers secret symbols and coded manuscripts, and digs into the eerie labyrinth of the abbey, where “the most interesting things happen at night.”
“Like the labyrinthine library at its heart, this brilliant novel has many cunning passages and secret chambers… Fascinating… ingenious… dazzling.” –Newsweek
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It reads like a historical thriller – you feel drawn into the action.
Fantastic read. I read everything this author has to offer.
Full of history and mystery. Loved the writing and was sorry to see it end.
I know this book is considered a classic of the genre but I couldn’t get into it. The language & writing style are too tedious.
I read “The Name of the Rose” when it was first published decades ago and recently bought an e-book version of it to re-read. It is an intriguing, inventive story that I recall was also pretty effective in the scary department. I loved how it made me recall and reuse my Latin from high school. The characters are well-drawn and fascinating. I’m …
This is a fabulous read if you are not intimidated by medieval philosophy and politics. Ecco has created a first class historical fiction using William Ockham’s life as a template. While not historically accurate to all the facts, Ecco has the deeper historical truth of the struggle between reason and fundamentalist religion. A great read!
Set in a dark time in Europe, this books paints a picture that will endure in the imagination and mind of the reader. A monastery houses the great literature of the ancients but it is blind obedience to faith that is valued.
Classic book. Must read.
I read this many years ago—long before historical mysteries became popular. I might give it another go this winter.
A Dickensian masterpuece
This is a Middle Ages murder mystery.
Not for the faint of heart — written by a semiotics expert, it requires attention but is truly fascinating. Not the movie!
Enjoyed the history in this book, but read it a long time ago.
Excellent!
A memorable book though I read it probably forty years ago. Clever in design and plot, full of twists and surprises.
Not for the faint of heart – this is dense reading but an amazing, original story.
I LOVED this book and was not able to put it down! An amazing story!
Oh, how the plot does twist and turn. Very well written and enjoyable. One is captivated from the outset. Bravo!
Beautifully written.
Except for original there is no descriptive words for this book. Not a good read.