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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The Name of the Rose brings the reader into the middle ages when the Church was supreme, when books were limited to clergy, when monks copied precious books, and many were hidden away. Within each local monastery, the view was narrow. When a more worldly traveling Franciscan Friar visits and a mysterious death occurs, he is chosen to investigate. …
Great descriptions of the times as well as a great mystery.
I thought it was interesting, informative about the times and life in monasteries. I wished, however, that there were translations to all the Latin phrases used.
Wowsers, I still think about this one years after having read it. The culture of the times soaks right into you. I’ll never feel the same about the Inquisitions again. The plot is incredibly clever, as well.
Great book, Historical Fiction at its best,,,,,
Immersion into an earlier time and place. Wonderful read, but it takes a bit of work.
One of the best written books I have read in the last 10 years
Another great classic entertaining
Extraordinary story, amazing writing, layered, intelligent, mysterious, transporting.
A mystery unlike any other, it highlights the towering talent of Ecco.
Umberto Eco is not an easy read but this story is so engrossing that it is well worth the effort. This book was made into a movie with Sean Connery and Christian Slater in 1986. I recommend both the book and the film.
Brilliant on many levels, but also a darn good detective novel set in an unlikely setting.
I read The Name of the Rose many years ago, but my memories of it are still strong and highly favorable.
This book is a classic, intellectual but never stuffy; it is the gold standard for medieval mysteries
Amazing book one of my favorites !!!
Didn’t finish. Dramatic writing didn’t compensate for my utter lack of interest in the subject. Bought because of buzz, but hung it up because of boredom
Nec plus ultra
Complex plot made for good historical fiction
Very good story. Interesting characters and setting. Historical
Poorly written and struck me as condescending toward novel readers. For clever and artful literary gamesmanship by someone fully engaged in writing, read Nabokov.