“Historical fiction is a tricky beast. Rare is the modern writer . . . who can resist having characters ostensibly living in ages past parroting the author’s own personal modern beliefs . . .”
Excellent book! I agree, William of Baskerville has a few moments that veer a bit too close to modern sensibilities, but overall Eco pulls it off admirably.
My favorite Umberto Eco novel is "Foucault's Pendulum."
I find all of Eco’s works to be literary puzzle-boxes. There are books, and authors, that one is anxious to read again and discover the breadcrumbs missed earlier. My taste in music is much the same, attraction to that which mystifies me; the perpetually interesting and ever new-old favorites. The visceral attachment.
That’s a good description of what The Name of the Rose felt like. Lots of symbolism and discussion of other books, which is apparently a hallmark of postmodernism, but I thought it was just building upon what came before. This book is almost meta, a meditation ABOUT books and knowledge as much as a murder mystery. I find it pulls off both aspects wonderfully.
Yes! I’m using rot13 to avoid spoilers (rot13.com to translate):
V sryg fbzrguvat pybfr gb grnef jura gur yvoenel naq gur puhepu naq gur jubyr erfg bs gur noorl oheag qbja. V trg gung vg jnf gur fvgr bs n terng pbeehcgvba, ohg fgvyy.
Those are nice illustrations. A very interesting art style. Surrealistic. It’s not what I’d picture fitting with this particular book, but they’re good pictures nonetheless.
The very bizarreness attracted me: it's like it's 1968 in an alternate universe, and the Heritage Press has the old classic The Name of the Rose reprinted and illustrated in a deluxe edition …
I've never read the book, because frankly it intimidated me. BUT... the movie with Sean Connery and Christian Slater is sublime and fairly faithful, if not streamlined, to the book's plot. I've been told by one scholar that knew Eco that at times the book felt more like a treatise on medieval libraries than a murder mystery narrative. A facet she did generally enjoy. This book is on my "TBR" list in my head. Someday.
I’d like to see the movie now that I’ve read the book. I disagree that it’s more treatise on medieval libraries than murder mystery though. It’s just maximalist in the 19th century tradition, which I personally love. Eco’s expertise makes it so entertaining and interesting to read.
Excellent book! I agree, William of Baskerville has a few moments that veer a bit too close to modern sensibilities, but overall Eco pulls it off admirably.
My favorite Umberto Eco novel is "Foucault's Pendulum."
Eco does indeed pull it off. By that I mean William and the whole story. In a lesser author’s hands, the whole thing would be a waste of time.
And you’re not the first to tell me I should read Foucault’s Pendulum. It’s on the list.
Thank you. I’ve added it to my wish list!
I hope you enjoy the book. I’d hate to recommend something you later don’t like.
Thank you! I have a good feeling about it.
I find all of Eco’s works to be literary puzzle-boxes. There are books, and authors, that one is anxious to read again and discover the breadcrumbs missed earlier. My taste in music is much the same, attraction to that which mystifies me; the perpetually interesting and ever new-old favorites. The visceral attachment.
Great post, thank you.
That’s a good description of what The Name of the Rose felt like. Lots of symbolism and discussion of other books, which is apparently a hallmark of postmodernism, but I thought it was just building upon what came before. This book is almost meta, a meditation ABOUT books and knowledge as much as a murder mystery. I find it pulls off both aspects wonderfully.
Need to put this on my reading list, thanks Alexander!
It’s one of those “Everybody talks about how good this book is because it’s actually good” books.
Now you have to read Foucault's Pendulum
So I’ve been told!
Heartbreaking end.
Yes! I’m using rot13 to avoid spoilers (rot13.com to translate):
V sryg fbzrguvat pybfr gb grnef jura gur yvoenel naq gur puhepu naq gur jubyr erfg bs gur noorl oheag qbja. V trg gung vg jnf gur fvgr bs n terng pbeehcgvba, ohg fgvyy.
https://filipe-pagliuso.artstation.com/projects/YeNwrP
Slow loader but some nice illos.
Those are nice illustrations. A very interesting art style. Surrealistic. It’s not what I’d picture fitting with this particular book, but they’re good pictures nonetheless.
The very bizarreness attracted me: it's like it's 1968 in an alternate universe, and the Heritage Press has the old classic The Name of the Rose reprinted and illustrated in a deluxe edition …
I would definitely read that.
I've never read the book, because frankly it intimidated me. BUT... the movie with Sean Connery and Christian Slater is sublime and fairly faithful, if not streamlined, to the book's plot. I've been told by one scholar that knew Eco that at times the book felt more like a treatise on medieval libraries than a murder mystery narrative. A facet she did generally enjoy. This book is on my "TBR" list in my head. Someday.
I’d like to see the movie now that I’ve read the book. I disagree that it’s more treatise on medieval libraries than murder mystery though. It’s just maximalist in the 19th century tradition, which I personally love. Eco’s expertise makes it so entertaining and interesting to read.
Had the same impression. Definitely written by a very opinionated man who nonetheless knew good writing. Would recommend.
Eco was certainly opinionated! But I like and respect that. This book is many things, but it’s never boring.