The Name of the Rose

Umberto Eco, 1980

Overview

A Franciscan friar and his novice arrive at a secluded Benedictine abbey in the Italian Alps to attend a theological disputation. Within the maze-like library, seven bizarre deaths occur, each patterned after the seven trumpets of the Apocalypse. As the friar investigates, the abbey’s labyrinthine scriptorium, hidden manuscripts, and political intrigue between Pope and Emperor emerge as keys to the mystery.

Who it's for

• Readers who enjoy medieval history and theology
• Lovers of literary detective stories with philosophical depth
• Students of semiotics and historical fiction

Key features

• Original language: Italian
• First published in 1980; set in 1327
• Features a detailed depiction of monastic life and scriptoria
• Blends semiotics, biblical exegesis, and detective narrative