This is the fourth copy of this novel I've purchased. The other three copies were either worn out, or loaned out (and not received back). I first bought this book back when it was published in 1983 because I thought it looked like an historical mystery, my favorite fiction genre. When I read it, however, I found it to be much more than that. On one level, it is an historical mystery and an enjoyable one at that. Below that, though, it's a semiotic novel, a specialty of Eco's, further evidenced in his subsequent works, Foucault's Pendulum et al. Below THAT, there is a pithy commentary on the Great Schism in the Church during the time in which the novel is set, and the Pope's harsh policies for dealing with certain dissident sects. I liked the device of using historical figures as characters in the story to give more reality. Bernardo Gui was a historical person, and although there was no real William of Baskerville, he comes close to being another William of Occam. Throughout the story, he employs Occam's Razor to work his way through and untangle the mysterious deaths and other goings on at the monestery. It may take several readings to absorb everything, but it is well worth the effort. It is one of the few works of fiction I've made a permanent part of my book collection.Read full review
I've read The Name of the Rose once before from the library and wanted a personal copy with big margins to take notes in. Came a little worse for wear than what I expected from a "good" condition rating. There was a large tear on the fold of the jacket that needs to be taped. Otherwise, the book itself is in great quality. Exactly what I look for in a used book—obviously not new but readable and special in its own way.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
The Name of the Rose is historical fiction at its finest. Eco weaves an unbelievably intricate setting for this early 14th Century tale. This book is classified as a mystery, but it is so much more. Eco nods his learned head to thinkers from Aristotle all the way to Sherlock Holmes. Of course the entirety of the thing is fraught with Eco's pet subjects of symbols, language, and signs (semiotics), to the point that your head will swim. Amazing tale. So many quotable passages. I'm reading it for the second time. However, if you don't like tangents, philosophical wanderings, foreign languages, or constant reminding that you should have paid more attention in History, my advice is RUN AWAY, RUN AWAY!
Mystery. History,Plots with Subplots, Action, and a little Latin added in for good measure. I assure this is not the types of stories your local parish priest told you about! But its all in good fun, and makes you wonder when extremism clauses. I read this book when it first came out and decided to revisit it again. Wish I knew more about Latin!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
what can i say? I'm fascinated w the middle ages and learned a great deal. Well written. Had to have the key to it for the latin translations (lots of latin in the book). Plot complicated, hard to follow. So if u luv that period - read the book. If not, don't bother. by the way norman kantor, one of my favorite medievalists sez rose is one of the most realistic fictional descriptions of the period.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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