Publication
Harvest Books (1994), 502 pages
Description
In 1327, finding his sensitive mission at an Italian abbey further complicated by seven bizarre deaths, Brother William of Baskerville turns detective.
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LibraryThing member TimONeill
If I had to spend a year on a desert island and was only allowed to take one book, this would be it.
At the time of its publication, one reviewer described `The Name of the Rose' as "a book about everything". At first glance, it may seem to be a book largely about obscure Fourteenth Century
Even the `obscure Fourteenth Century sects', which many readers find either bewildering, dull or both, represent far more than they seem at first glance. The long controversy over the poverty of Christ and its application in the medieval Church forms the focus for a wide-ranging analysis of how ideals can motivate and inspire different people in different ways. In this novel we find skeptics (like William), mystical non-conformists (like Umbertino de Casale), terrorists and revolutionaries (like the Dolcinite heretics) and fundamentalists (like Jorge and Bernard Gui). At the time of its first publication, the parallels between the book's religious politics and modern manifestations of the same ways of thinking, including Cold War political expediency and terrorists like the Red Brigades, would have been obvious to Italian readers. These days, in the wake of 9/11 and the Iraq War, Eco's analysis has not lost any of its resonance.
Some warnings for new readers - if you think (the truly appalling) `The Da Vinci Code' was "masterful writing", you probably want to save yourself time and effort and read something else. It's not as daunting as many make out, but "Rose" is far from a light read. Eco also deliberately made the first 100 pages a difficult read, but stick with it. All those obscure politics and odd names do make some sense after a while.
Secondly, many reviewers have complained about the untranslated Latin passages. Despite what some of them have said, these are rarely more than a line or two and usually short lines at that. Medievalists will recognise most of them anyway (they are quotes from the Vulgate, Occam and Aquinas and so on, and usually famous ones), but non-specialists will usually get the essence of them from their contexts. In almost all cases they are roughly translated or paraphrased in the dialogue that precedes or follows them anyway, so they aren't actually `untranslated' at all - they just look that way.
Thirdly, people who approach this novel merely as a medieval whodunit a la the Brother Caedfel mysteries are likely to find `Rose' a strain. While the mystery story forms the basis of the plot, there is a lot more to this novel than plot. Some have said they found the mystery clichéd and derivative of other mysteries. Ummm ... yes - Eco is a postmodernist. It's *meant* to be derivative.
The real joy of this novel is its layers of meaning, which is why it's one that can be read and re-read with new discoveries every time. It's a delight to read and great exercise for the mind and spirit, as well as a counter to those who think the Middle Ages was simply a period of superstition and ignorance. Far from being an anachronism or a prefigurement of more `enlightened' times, William of Baskerville represents the medieval voices of reason, innovation and logic that are ignored by most popular representations of this badly misunderstood period.
A must read - but with your brain well and truly in high gear.
At the time of its publication, one reviewer described `The Name of the Rose' as "a book about everything". At first glance, it may seem to be a book largely about obscure Fourteenth Century
Show More
religious controversies, heresies and sects, with a murder mystery mixed in. But this is a book that rewards repeat readings (I've just finished it for the seventh time), and the heart of the novel is in its exposition of semiotics - the world as a blizzard of signs and life and thought as their constant interpretation. Just as Brother William of Baskerville guides the naïve Adso through the world of the monastery and the wider world of knowledge and reason, so Eco guides the reader through a story where few things are what they seem and everything can be read several ways.Even the `obscure Fourteenth Century sects', which many readers find either bewildering, dull or both, represent far more than they seem at first glance. The long controversy over the poverty of Christ and its application in the medieval Church forms the focus for a wide-ranging analysis of how ideals can motivate and inspire different people in different ways. In this novel we find skeptics (like William), mystical non-conformists (like Umbertino de Casale), terrorists and revolutionaries (like the Dolcinite heretics) and fundamentalists (like Jorge and Bernard Gui). At the time of its first publication, the parallels between the book's religious politics and modern manifestations of the same ways of thinking, including Cold War political expediency and terrorists like the Red Brigades, would have been obvious to Italian readers. These days, in the wake of 9/11 and the Iraq War, Eco's analysis has not lost any of its resonance.
Some warnings for new readers - if you think (the truly appalling) `The Da Vinci Code' was "masterful writing", you probably want to save yourself time and effort and read something else. It's not as daunting as many make out, but "Rose" is far from a light read. Eco also deliberately made the first 100 pages a difficult read, but stick with it. All those obscure politics and odd names do make some sense after a while.
Secondly, many reviewers have complained about the untranslated Latin passages. Despite what some of them have said, these are rarely more than a line or two and usually short lines at that. Medievalists will recognise most of them anyway (they are quotes from the Vulgate, Occam and Aquinas and so on, and usually famous ones), but non-specialists will usually get the essence of them from their contexts. In almost all cases they are roughly translated or paraphrased in the dialogue that precedes or follows them anyway, so they aren't actually `untranslated' at all - they just look that way.
Thirdly, people who approach this novel merely as a medieval whodunit a la the Brother Caedfel mysteries are likely to find `Rose' a strain. While the mystery story forms the basis of the plot, there is a lot more to this novel than plot. Some have said they found the mystery clichéd and derivative of other mysteries. Ummm ... yes - Eco is a postmodernist. It's *meant* to be derivative.
The real joy of this novel is its layers of meaning, which is why it's one that can be read and re-read with new discoveries every time. It's a delight to read and great exercise for the mind and spirit, as well as a counter to those who think the Middle Ages was simply a period of superstition and ignorance. Far from being an anachronism or a prefigurement of more `enlightened' times, William of Baskerville represents the medieval voices of reason, innovation and logic that are ignored by most popular representations of this badly misunderstood period.
A must read - but with your brain well and truly in high gear.
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LibraryThing member hunkydory
Upon being forced into reading this book for a University essay as the book I wanted to complete the essay upon was all booked out at the library, I managed to find my favourite author and favourite book in a massive stroke of luck.
The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco weaves philosophy, religion,
The mystery, however, is not sidelined to make way for pure philosophy, as Eco manages to interlock the two aspects of the novel with great vision and intelligent writing.
A novel that I have read numerous times and hope to re-read many times in the future, a mystery for the ages and for the intelligent, and those who at least want to become a bit more intelligent!
The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco weaves philosophy, religion,
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history and mystery into a complex, intriguing and deep story with fantastic characters, awesome plot concepts and arguments that ensured I would go on to research various religious and philosophical factors and concepts, greatly increasing my general knowledge and interest for various fields of study.The mystery, however, is not sidelined to make way for pure philosophy, as Eco manages to interlock the two aspects of the novel with great vision and intelligent writing.
A novel that I have read numerous times and hope to re-read many times in the future, a mystery for the ages and for the intelligent, and those who at least want to become a bit more intelligent!
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LibraryThing member rboyechko
Despite the author's admission in the Postscript that the first 100 pages were intentionally made to be a sort of penance or initiation, the book drew me in from the start. The plot moved along at a brisk pace, yet that did not prevent many a learned discussion between the characters to take place,
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along with narrator's explanations of various concepts unfamiliar to a casual reader. The Latin interspersed throughout the book was a hindrance at first, but it became less and less so as the book progressed. I probably missed some points because I do not know enough Latin, but somehow I don't believe it crippled my understanding of the novel as a whole. Overall, the book is a superb example of historical fiction, and one that one reads not only for enjoyment but also for expanding horizons. After reading it, I feel I have at least a cursory understanding of the situation in 14th century Europe, both secular and religious, as well as some insight into the differences between Benedictine and Franciscan monastic traditions. I would certainly recommend the book to anyone interested in the time period, or even anyone who enjoys a good mystery. Show Less
LibraryThing member elenchus
The Name of the Rose did not disappoint. It is an immersive read, populated with unpredictable characters, the narrative cookfire tended (if not exactly stoked) by an interesting whodunnit, and everything -- dialogue, setting, period detail, yes even the expository dumps -- everything set in a
It's helpful to encounter reminders the Christian Church was never a monolithic enterprise, neither homogeneous nor founded on consistent doctrine and practices. Better to see Church history as precisely the opposite, an interminable juggling act, one hand hiding discrepancies, the other hand swapping out one outlook for a contradictory one; now marrying ideal with dissenting principle, now opening arms to abused heretics. (Kuhnian science is no different, a similar story in another vernacular.) Eco happily recounts this chestnut, his particular re-telling set in a fictional monastery, surrounded by the ecclesiastical history of the 14th Century. Key tensions and conflicts among characters mirroring factual heresy and theological dissent. Chief among these are the politics of poverty (Dulcinians and Minorites), the resulting mendicant orders (here, Dominicans Thomas Aquinas & Bernard Gui, Franciscans William of Occam & Roger Bacon), the horsetrading of scheming popes.
Layered atop all of this: a delicious take on semiotics and metanarrative trickery, sincere and yet very much tongue in cheek. Without spoiling or divulging much at all, Eco shares in his postscript some of his occupations and structural intentions when writing the novel.
In short, well worth reading again.
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beguiling historical armature. Eco offers such nuggets as when pigs are best slaughtered (late Autumn), the daily round of monastic living, the etymological origin of the Dominican Order (viz, God's Dogs), and speculations on Aristotle's lost second book of Poetics. The asides themselves are enough to hold my attention. Brought together, the ingredients simmer along in an agreeable cultural stew. It was over before I wanted it to be.It's helpful to encounter reminders the Christian Church was never a monolithic enterprise, neither homogeneous nor founded on consistent doctrine and practices. Better to see Church history as precisely the opposite, an interminable juggling act, one hand hiding discrepancies, the other hand swapping out one outlook for a contradictory one; now marrying ideal with dissenting principle, now opening arms to abused heretics. (Kuhnian science is no different, a similar story in another vernacular.) Eco happily recounts this chestnut, his particular re-telling set in a fictional monastery, surrounded by the ecclesiastical history of the 14th Century. Key tensions and conflicts among characters mirroring factual heresy and theological dissent. Chief among these are the politics of poverty (Dulcinians and Minorites), the resulting mendicant orders (here, Dominicans Thomas Aquinas & Bernard Gui, Franciscans William of Occam & Roger Bacon), the horsetrading of scheming popes.
Layered atop all of this: a delicious take on semiotics and metanarrative trickery, sincere and yet very much tongue in cheek. Without spoiling or divulging much at all, Eco shares in his postscript some of his occupations and structural intentions when writing the novel.
In short, well worth reading again.
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LibraryThing member the_awesome_opossum
The Name of the Rose is a fascinating, complex book that begins as a murder mystery/thriller and ends as a treatise on history and theology and literature...and still remains a thriller.
It is narrated by Adso, a novice in a monastery who has accompanied his master William to investigate a
The writing is characteristically complex, full of Latin and obscure literary allusions. Don't get bogged down in it; it sets the mood for a monastery full of monks copying out their obscure Latin texts. But the plot is amazingly constructed; the vivid characters are placed exactly how they need to be, the plot twists and turns in the right places, and Adso, an innocent youth, is a good guide for the reader through the action. I had so much fun reading this book; I thought it was incredibly engaging and satisfying
It is narrated by Adso, a novice in a monastery who has accompanied his master William to investigate a
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suspicious death of a monk. But monks continue to drop dead, at about the rate of one a day, as William struggles to uncover both the murderer and the motives.The writing is characteristically complex, full of Latin and obscure literary allusions. Don't get bogged down in it; it sets the mood for a monastery full of monks copying out their obscure Latin texts. But the plot is amazingly constructed; the vivid characters are placed exactly how they need to be, the plot twists and turns in the right places, and Adso, an innocent youth, is a good guide for the reader through the action. I had so much fun reading this book; I thought it was incredibly engaging and satisfying
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LibraryThing member LisaMaria_C
This book is a rarity, both a critical and popular success, a literary and erudite book that is also a gripping historical mystery. It was made into a film--not a good one, which might put people off the book, which is a shame. Gripping, moving, involving.
LibraryThing member Choccy
What a mesmerizing (yet sometimes confusing) book. Five hundred pages, not including the introduction and post-script.
It is basically consisted of two main plots. First was the mysterious murders of monks in an Italian Franciscan abbey on the 14th century, in which a former Inquisitor named William
I have to admit that my interest lies deeper in the first plot. It's just more simple. The murders were somewhat arranged in certain fashions, mimicking the prophesied events during the sounding of seven trumpets in the Apocalypse. Plus, the Abbey itself, with all its rich legacies and precious relics, holds many secrets and intrigues; with the center of attention was its amazing library that no one can enter except the librarian. The library was said to be the most complete library in Europe, contained not only teachings on the Scriptures but also those of heretics, magicians, alchemists, etc.
William of Baskerville, our monk-detective, presented a unique character with his use of logic and modern tools. His novice, Adso of Melk, well, he's your typical boyscout, but suffering from a number of delusions and inner battles (the curse of youth, perhaps). They both embarked on a fascinating adventure in the abbey, trying to solve the mystery of the library and its almost innumerable labyrinths, deciphering symbols, facing bizarre monks ranging from hostile, mysterious, frightened, excessively curious and most of all, they all have motives for killing. Most of the victims were connected to the library. Suffice to say, the murders is caused by something in the library, which should not be seen by others.
The second plot? Well, couldn't say I really understand the narratives and dialogues, since they mostly involved theological debates whether monks were allowed to be poor. The Pope said the Franciscans were heretics while the accused said the Pope was corrupt. My brain is just not strong enough for that kind of thing. I love the quarreling part though, when the monks lost their temper, because it's so damn funny.
Despite some desperate efforts from my parts to skip some pages of this book due to my lack of understanding, I still say this book has its own grandeur. Perhaps because if there's an existing library as magnificent as the one in the abbey, I shall be very interested to have to a visit there. Seduction does not always come from human flesh or splendid treasures, but also in knowledge. And sometimes it's even more dangerous.
Will I read other Eco's works? Yeah sure, why not. Next would be the Foucault's Pendulum.
It is basically consisted of two main plots. First was the mysterious murders of monks in an Italian Franciscan abbey on the 14th century, in which a former Inquisitor named William
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of Baskerville and his novice turned detectives to solve the murders. Second was the so-called historic meeting between Franciscan leaders (favored by the Roman Emperor) and their archenemy, representatives of the Pope John who resided then in Avignon. Organizing the meeting was actually the main duty of William.I have to admit that my interest lies deeper in the first plot. It's just more simple. The murders were somewhat arranged in certain fashions, mimicking the prophesied events during the sounding of seven trumpets in the Apocalypse. Plus, the Abbey itself, with all its rich legacies and precious relics, holds many secrets and intrigues; with the center of attention was its amazing library that no one can enter except the librarian. The library was said to be the most complete library in Europe, contained not only teachings on the Scriptures but also those of heretics, magicians, alchemists, etc.
William of Baskerville, our monk-detective, presented a unique character with his use of logic and modern tools. His novice, Adso of Melk, well, he's your typical boyscout, but suffering from a number of delusions and inner battles (the curse of youth, perhaps). They both embarked on a fascinating adventure in the abbey, trying to solve the mystery of the library and its almost innumerable labyrinths, deciphering symbols, facing bizarre monks ranging from hostile, mysterious, frightened, excessively curious and most of all, they all have motives for killing. Most of the victims were connected to the library. Suffice to say, the murders is caused by something in the library, which should not be seen by others.
The second plot? Well, couldn't say I really understand the narratives and dialogues, since they mostly involved theological debates whether monks were allowed to be poor. The Pope said the Franciscans were heretics while the accused said the Pope was corrupt. My brain is just not strong enough for that kind of thing. I love the quarreling part though, when the monks lost their temper, because it's so damn funny.
Despite some desperate efforts from my parts to skip some pages of this book due to my lack of understanding, I still say this book has its own grandeur. Perhaps because if there's an existing library as magnificent as the one in the abbey, I shall be very interested to have to a visit there. Seduction does not always come from human flesh or splendid treasures, but also in knowledge. And sometimes it's even more dangerous.
Will I read other Eco's works? Yeah sure, why not. Next would be the Foucault's Pendulum.
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LibraryThing member webreader
I read this book several years ago and for a good long while, it had returned to my thoughts. Reading it again, I found timely a timely political theme.
This is the story of two delegations called to a neutral setting to debate their religious positions as they relate to the influence of the Church
As scenes portray illicitly charged prisoners interrogated by an inquisitor who presumes guilt unless innocence is proven, and accepts the threat and practice of torture as a normal tool of investigation; the monumental pride of principals convinced of the superiority of their rule and the inferiority of the ruled; the intolerance of opposing factions; and the disastrous consequences of secrecy--I understand why this book, first read as a finely crafted mystery, began to speak to me again during the administration of George W. Bush.
This is the story of two delegations called to a neutral setting to debate their religious positions as they relate to the influence of the Church
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on government. The erudite English monk, William, instructs his young acolyte on the separate paths of spirituality and government as the arguments--punctuated by a series of mysterious deaths--rage unseemly among men of holy calling.As scenes portray illicitly charged prisoners interrogated by an inquisitor who presumes guilt unless innocence is proven, and accepts the threat and practice of torture as a normal tool of investigation; the monumental pride of principals convinced of the superiority of their rule and the inferiority of the ruled; the intolerance of opposing factions; and the disastrous consequences of secrecy--I understand why this book, first read as a finely crafted mystery, began to speak to me again during the administration of George W. Bush.
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LibraryThing member mattviews
In 1327, Franciscans in a wealthy Italian abbey are suspected of heresy. Brother William of England and his scribe, who is a Benedictine novice and the narrator of the book, arrive to investigate. The timely arrival of the perspicacious brother coincides with seven bizarre deaths at the abbey. The
The first fifty or so pages of the book brief the vicissitudes of churches and the emergence of heresies and diabolical practices. My first impression of the novel is some circuitous unraveling of heretics and power struggles between the Pope and the emperor. After trudging through these historical backgrounds and religious overtones, the book becomes nothing but an intriguing thriller in probing and unraveling the mystery behind all the deaths.
As Brother William traces to the bone of the mystery that seamlessly entangles the relationships and the paths overlapped the victims, it becomes perspicuous that the possession and theft of a banned book from the abbey library has led to deaths of scholars and monks in vein. The library, its promise, prestige, and prohibitions, incurs a strong hold on the monks and scholars who have sinfully coveted and hoped one day to violate all its secrets and gain access to the books.
While the abbot sternly tightens the grip of library access and so to thwart falsehood and infidel knowledge from befalling into wrong hands, barred from such knowledge only inevitably creates in everyone an insatiable lust for such materials. The very knowledge that the abbey has accumulated is used as barter goods, cause for pride, and motive for boasting and prestige. It has been adumbrated that a monk, stirred by unquenchable desires for intellect, will even comply with carnal desire in order to satisfy the pursuit of intellect.
The probe for truth sheds light as Brother William and our narrator indomitably ventures into the library, collects evidence, deciphers secret zodiac symbols and manuscripts, notes the library's subjects and arrangements, and thus cracks the labyrinth. Evolution of the librarian appointments at the abbey indubitably gives away the identity of the ultimate devil.
The Name of the Rose deftly evokes the paradox of truth. As William's investigation takes an unexpected turn and sheds light on the truth, the very unbearable truth that the abbot refuses to recognize and confronts out of fear of besmirching the abbey's prestige, Eco obfuscates readers with the ghastly consequence and the toll of the obsession with truth. Does truth really set one free as the Bible claims, or does it come with a price?
The Name of the Rose is a tale of a master's journey in unraveling a complicated knot at a sacred institution. Under the veneer of scholastic and immaculate surface is prurient desire for knowledge, covet for power, and scruple for sin against chastity. The interminable discourse on church history and heresy will be elucidated throughout the novel (so don't be discouraged by the difficult prose), as relevant personalities will recount their involvement with heretics. It's an ingenious, fine piece of literature that challenges bright minds.
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spree of deaths from surreptitious cause claims the life of an illustrator Adelmo, a Greek scholar Venantius and other monks at the abbey.The first fifty or so pages of the book brief the vicissitudes of churches and the emergence of heresies and diabolical practices. My first impression of the novel is some circuitous unraveling of heretics and power struggles between the Pope and the emperor. After trudging through these historical backgrounds and religious overtones, the book becomes nothing but an intriguing thriller in probing and unraveling the mystery behind all the deaths.
As Brother William traces to the bone of the mystery that seamlessly entangles the relationships and the paths overlapped the victims, it becomes perspicuous that the possession and theft of a banned book from the abbey library has led to deaths of scholars and monks in vein. The library, its promise, prestige, and prohibitions, incurs a strong hold on the monks and scholars who have sinfully coveted and hoped one day to violate all its secrets and gain access to the books.
While the abbot sternly tightens the grip of library access and so to thwart falsehood and infidel knowledge from befalling into wrong hands, barred from such knowledge only inevitably creates in everyone an insatiable lust for such materials. The very knowledge that the abbey has accumulated is used as barter goods, cause for pride, and motive for boasting and prestige. It has been adumbrated that a monk, stirred by unquenchable desires for intellect, will even comply with carnal desire in order to satisfy the pursuit of intellect.
The probe for truth sheds light as Brother William and our narrator indomitably ventures into the library, collects evidence, deciphers secret zodiac symbols and manuscripts, notes the library's subjects and arrangements, and thus cracks the labyrinth. Evolution of the librarian appointments at the abbey indubitably gives away the identity of the ultimate devil.
The Name of the Rose deftly evokes the paradox of truth. As William's investigation takes an unexpected turn and sheds light on the truth, the very unbearable truth that the abbot refuses to recognize and confronts out of fear of besmirching the abbey's prestige, Eco obfuscates readers with the ghastly consequence and the toll of the obsession with truth. Does truth really set one free as the Bible claims, or does it come with a price?
The Name of the Rose is a tale of a master's journey in unraveling a complicated knot at a sacred institution. Under the veneer of scholastic and immaculate surface is prurient desire for knowledge, covet for power, and scruple for sin against chastity. The interminable discourse on church history and heresy will be elucidated throughout the novel (so don't be discouraged by the difficult prose), as relevant personalities will recount their involvement with heretics. It's an ingenious, fine piece of literature that challenges bright minds.
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LibraryThing member pdxwoman
I've been meaning to read this for almost 20 years. It's a book I KNEW I was going to love.
Call me a heathen, but I don't get off on lines and lines of Latin dialog. I'm also not keen on dialog where one character talks for 3 pages.
I read almost 100 pages. I attached a post-it note with the words
Call me a heathen, but I don't get off on lines and lines of Latin dialog. I'm also not keen on dialog where one character talks for 3 pages.
I read almost 100 pages. I attached a post-it note with the words
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"Take Me, I'm Yours" on it and left it on a table at a local hangout. I have NEVER in my life randomly ditched a book. I just couldn't choke down another page or justify taking it to the Goodwill and making someone else pay good money for it. Show Less
LibraryThing member cmbohn
Brother Adso and Brother William travel to a remote convent in Italy. Brother William is there to work for a reconciliation between the Emperor's faction and the Pope's faction within the Catholic church. But his arrival also causes the abbot to investigate the recent death of a brother of their
I read one review that describes this as The Da Vinci Code with brains. Possibly. But that doesn't necessarily make it an easy read. All the long, long, paragraphs, the highly technical religious controversies, and all the passages of Latin (With no footnotes! Why not?).
I almost feel like this was two books in one, one that I enjoyed - the mystery, the relationships, the setting - and then the long, pretentious stuff that's rather boring. I got to where I started skipping the boring stuff so I could get to the action. This edition had an afterword by the author, where he longwindedly defends his style and his writing. Maybe. But I disagreed with him. The stuff he defends as crucial to the book are the things I found myself skipping.
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order. More deaths follow soon, and everything points toward an insider being behind it all. William is determined to find out what's behind all of this, even if it means discovering every secret the abbey possesses.I read one review that describes this as The Da Vinci Code with brains. Possibly. But that doesn't necessarily make it an easy read. All the long, long, paragraphs, the highly technical religious controversies, and all the passages of Latin (With no footnotes! Why not?).
I almost feel like this was two books in one, one that I enjoyed - the mystery, the relationships, the setting - and then the long, pretentious stuff that's rather boring. I got to where I started skipping the boring stuff so I could get to the action. This edition had an afterword by the author, where he longwindedly defends his style and his writing. Maybe. But I disagreed with him. The stuff he defends as crucial to the book are the things I found myself skipping.
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LibraryThing member TheTwoDs
A magical combination of mystery, theology, philosophy and historical novel. I first read it in my teenage years and at that time I appreciated the mystery, but the historic references and philosophical and theological debates went over my head. Now, having re-read it 17 years later, the incredible
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depth Eco created has been revealed to me. No two readers will get the same thing out of this book, which is the mark of a great novel. I highly recommend it, as you will feel you are living in the Middle Ages at the abbey, trying to solve the mystery and learn about the origins and purposes of some of the religious orders. Show Less
LibraryThing member bkoopman
Set in Italy during the Inquisition, conflicts abound. Good versus evil becomes high intrigue when institutions must build layers of secrecy to protect their power, and the power grows to become more important than the sanctity of life. Solving the mystery of murders eventually ends in the
I enjoyed this story very much, and might need to re-read it in order to fully comprehend the nuances, the layers and the Latin.
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destruction of the Abby and its beautiful buildings. But in the end, nothing is more important than the human beings which we are to serve, and when that perspective is lost, evil is given a foothold. I enjoyed this story very much, and might need to re-read it in order to fully comprehend the nuances, the layers and the Latin.
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LibraryThing member GarySeverance
In "The Name of the Rose," Umberto Eco describes monks' attempts in medieval monasteries to obtain and preserve knowledge in writing and signs. Knowledge was limited and those who hoarded it had power. The murder mystery develops around the possession of this precious commodity shattering the
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religious brotherhood. Knowledge became more available over time, and valuable old books and signs were lost. Eco takes the reader on a wonderful tour of a violent and mystical era, leaving arcane signposts for guidance. It is enjoyable and necessary to decipher all of the signs in order to experience the times and the character interaction. An erotic scene occurs in the story leading to a long-lasting priestly memory. It is a memory of regret for the priest, but not due to the sexual event. It is the regret of not knowing the name of the momentary beloved. And, though the rose grows, blooms, and ultimately withers to dust, it is the name of the rose that remains forever. Show Less
LibraryThing member SashaM
This is not a hard to understand book. But it is a hard to keep awake book. All of the characters talk too much. Even the explanatory notes at the end of the book are stupidly wordy!
The story reads like a homage to Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes with the main character William of Baskerville being
This book is a good lesson in the horrors and idiocy of the inquisition. Also in the history, politics and power of the Roman Catholic Church.
The plot plays out like a sherlockian mystery right down to the big reveal at the end when the murderer confesses to William everything.
Maybe if I had a greater background in catholic symbolism and lore it would have held my interest more. As it was I found myself thinking "please just shut up and let the plot move on!"
I skim read most of days five and six because they just went on and on.
The story reads like a homage to Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes with the main character William of Baskerville being
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very Holmes like. Adso the novice who narrates the book is his Watson. And every other character can apparently not hide or lie worth a damn. This book is a good lesson in the horrors and idiocy of the inquisition. Also in the history, politics and power of the Roman Catholic Church.
The plot plays out like a sherlockian mystery right down to the big reveal at the end when the murderer confesses to William everything.
Maybe if I had a greater background in catholic symbolism and lore it would have held my interest more. As it was I found myself thinking "please just shut up and let the plot move on!"
I skim read most of days five and six because they just went on and on.
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LibraryThing member Kristelh
This first work of the Italian author, Umberto Eco, is set in the 1327 in an Italian monastery and is an intellectual mystery. Franciscan friar William of Baskerville and his Benedictine novice Adso of Melk visit this monastery to attend a theological disputation about Apostolic poverty. There is a
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mysterious death as they arrive and every day following another dies mysteriously. There is much discourse on things like the sin of laughter. Deductive reasoning is what William uses to try to solve the mystery. The deaths seem to be following the Apocalypse. The use of context and reasoning is constantly challenged. The abbot is the home of one of the riches libraries where access is totally denied. The work of the abbot is the safe keeping of learning. On another level the story is about different theological interpretations. The Inquisition is addressed during the visit of Bertrand del Poggetto (Papal legation) and Michael of Cesena (Spiritual Franciscans). This story may be set in medieval time but the author addresses postmodern ideas of truth. There is conflict of absolute truth verses individual interpretation and spirituality verses religion. William seeks a logical end and concludes that the result was accidental and without meaning. The last line of the book, "Stat rosa pristina nomine, nomina nuda tenemus" "yesterday's rose endures in its name, we hold empty names". Eco borrows or is influenced by many other books including "The Visier Who Was Punished" from The Arabian Nights, The Hound of Baskervilles, the writer Jorge Luis Borges influences the creation of the library. There is also some influence of Rudyard Kipling's novel, The Eye of Allah. There is also actual history, geography and science in this novel. Some of the characters were actual characters though not always historically accurate. I am so glad to have read this book; it was rich on so many levels. Show Less
LibraryThing member samfsmith
I read this ages ago, and decided to read it again to examine more closely how it is written. This edition has a postscript by the author explaining many things about the writing of the novel.
Interesting that he describes the first hundred pages as a penance or initiation for reading the novel. I
And it seems that the author added the extra levels of narrator (a modern translator at least twice removed from the young novice narrator) as a salve to his own ego. Odd.
But at it’s core, there is the traditional detective novel, much like a story of Sherlock Holmes narrated by Doctor Watson. William of Baskerville is the “detective” and everything is narrated by the novice Adso.
Much of the extra material valued so highly by Eco was, of course, removed for the movie.
Interesting that he describes the first hundred pages as a penance or initiation for reading the novel. I
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found myself skimming much of the historical facts about the sects and heretics. Is all that detail really necessary? Isn’t it enough to know the facts without so much detail? I would certainly cut a lot.And it seems that the author added the extra levels of narrator (a modern translator at least twice removed from the young novice narrator) as a salve to his own ego. Odd.
But at it’s core, there is the traditional detective novel, much like a story of Sherlock Holmes narrated by Doctor Watson. William of Baskerville is the “detective” and everything is narrated by the novice Adso.
Much of the extra material valued so highly by Eco was, of course, removed for the movie.
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LibraryThing member sbloom42
Umberto Eco's "The Name of the Rose" is partly a mystery novel, partly a historical investigation of Catholic heresies in the 13th and 14th centuries, but mostly an investigation of words and their relation to power. It's a very cerebral book and one that takes full concentration to read, but it's
At the heart of the novel are a set of murders and a series of missteps in solving the murders, though the missteps are completely logical within their context. The novel points to the idea that the Church's power and its attempt to maintain that power through the control of context and the access of knowledge will be its downfall. But in a medieval setting, the characters struggle with what it means for the Church to fail.
Aside from having a difficult time putting myself in the shoes of a medieval monk, I really enjoyed this book. It seems as applicable to the Church of today, as well as to any dogmatic institution, as it does to the Church of 1327.
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well worth the effort. The book explores the ideas of poverty versus power, laughter versus control (both emotional and clerical), and providence versus the randomness of life. At the heart of the novel are a set of murders and a series of missteps in solving the murders, though the missteps are completely logical within their context. The novel points to the idea that the Church's power and its attempt to maintain that power through the control of context and the access of knowledge will be its downfall. But in a medieval setting, the characters struggle with what it means for the Church to fail.
Aside from having a difficult time putting myself in the shoes of a medieval monk, I really enjoyed this book. It seems as applicable to the Church of today, as well as to any dogmatic institution, as it does to the Church of 1327.
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LibraryThing member bridgetmarkwood
Too sidelined for me. Prefer books that don't go into too much detail on trival, unimportant things. Very discriptive, very long paragraphs included. Found it hard to stay focused. Didn't actually finish... felt like I was missing life while reading it. Saw the movie recently and I'm glad I didn't
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finish it... what a disappointment for the investment it asks of the reader! Show Less
LibraryThing member koalamom
I found this book interesting in parts and tedious in others. I often got lost in the rhetoric, felt the author said everything about a certain topic that could ever be said. I scanned a lot to get past a lot of words that seemed to have little to do with the plot or even contribute to it. It
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wasn't a bad book, just too many words. I picked it up at a sale because I had seen the title for years in the daily crossword - Eco is a nice name to use in crosswords. Show Less
LibraryThing member midwestms
Excellent historical novel showing corruption, devotion, erudition, and greed in the 14th century.
LibraryThing member hugh_ashton
I have read this many times, and this isn't a review following a recent reading. Enjoyable as the film may be, and much as I like Sean Connery, the book is better. It works on many levels - as an enjoyable medieval mystery/detective novel (like the Cadfael series), as a historical novel exploring
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the political issues of wealth and religion (a very similar argument is currently going on in the USA), or as a philosophical treatise on knowledge. It helps that Eco works so well with his translators (William Weaver for English) that the book doesn't read like a translation. If you haven't got into Eco, this is the place to start. Show Less
LibraryThing member heidilove
wow. just wow. i love this work. it is not only suspenseful, but funny and illuminates the time period quite well.
LibraryThing member BrianDewey
Eco, Umberto. The Name of the Rose. Harvest, New York, 1980. I first read this book in New Hampshire; I must have been in the 8th grade. I was way too young to fully understand what was going on -- even today, a dozen years later, I miss most of the allusions -- but I still remember how I was
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captivated by Eco's creation of place. I wanted to live in a medieval monastery and live my life chasing ideas as if they were tangible things. On the second reading, my understanding of some of the philosophy & history is a little deeper, mostly due to having read Russell's A History of Western Philosophy. However, what still inspires me the most about this book, and the reason why I will probably re-read it several times in my life, is this is story reminds you that ideas & aesthetics matter. Show Less
LibraryThing member miketroll
Intricate mediaeval whodunit. So much better than the feeble movie adaptation, which boils the plot down to almost nothing.
ISBN
0156001314 / 9780156001311