The Name of the Rose

The Name of the Rose is a historical murder mystery set in an Italian monastery in the 14th century. The novel follows a Franciscan friar, William of Baskerville, and his novice, Adso of Melk, as they investigate a series of mysterious deaths in the abbey. As they unravel the secrets of the abbey’s labyrinthine library, they uncover dark religious conspiracies. Blending elements of detective fiction, semiotics, medieval history, and theological debates, Umberto Eco’s novel is a dense and intellectually stimulating read.

Why read this book

• An intellectual thriller that weaves together history, philosophy, and theology.
• Provides a richly detailed depiction of medieval life, religion, and power struggles.
• Umberto Eco’s masterful storytelling and intricate plot keep readers engaged in the mystery.
• Explores themes of knowledge, heresy, and the clash between faith and reason.
• Combines mystery with deep philosophical musings on language, meaning, and truth.

About the Author

Umberto Eco (1932–2016) was an Italian novelist, philosopher, and semiotician. He was a prominent scholar in the field of semiotics and authored several influential academic texts. The Name of the Rose, published in 1980, became an international bestseller and is regarded as one of the most significant works of historical fiction. Eco’s unique ability to blend erudition with popular storytelling earned him critical acclaim in both literary and academic circles.