Books by Umberto Eco
“Essentially the book is a a whodunnit set in a medieval monastery. A fairly simple, but gripping detective story is the excuse for a freewheeling wander through and exploration of much more complex subjects like medieval philosophy, religious dogma, and semiotics, all based within a meticulously researched and recreated 14th-century Italian monastery. This is a sophisticated and beautifully investigated novel that draws on detective fiction traditions to examine hypocrisy and corruption within the Catholic faith.” Read more...
Mike Downey, Film Director
Interviews where books by Umberto Eco were recommended
The Best Historical Thrillers, recommended by Mike Downey
A historical thriller should be both well researched and tightly plotted, explains Mike Downey—the filmmaker and author of Istria Black, a fast-paced novel set partly among war criminals in postwar Argentina. Here, Downey recommends five gripping books so dense with atmosphere and action you won’t be able to put them down.
Best Medieval Historical Fiction, recommended by Marion Turner
The medieval era in Europe lasted a millennium and saw massive social change and technological innovation, as well as calamities like the Black Death. That makes it a great period for historical fiction, offering a glimpse of a past that was very different from our own lives, and yet can resonate with the present. Here Marion Turner, Professor of English Literature at Oxford University, recommends some of her favourite historical novels set in the Middle Ages and explains why she finds them so compelling.
The Best Historical Novels, recommended by Vanora Bennett
Which are the best historical novels? Bestselling author Vanora Bennett recommends her top five.
