Product Description

Umberto Eco's The Name of the Rose is a brilliant mystery set in a fictitious medieval monastery. The text is rich with literary, historical, and theoretical references that make it eminently re-readable. The Key makes each reading fuller and more meaningful by helping the interested reader not merely to read but also to understand Eco's masterful work. Inspired by pleas from friends and strangers, the authors, each trained in Classics, undertook to translate and explain the Latin phrases that pepper the story. They have produced an approachable, informative guide to the book and its setting--the middle ages. The Key includes an introduction to the book, the middle ages, Umberto Eco, and philosophical and literary theories; a useful chronology; and reference notes to historical people and events.
The clear explanations of the historical setting and players will be useful to anyone interested in a general introduction to medieval history.
Adele J. Haft is Associate Professor of Classics, Hunter College, City University of New York. Jane G. White is chair of the Department of Languages, Dwight Englewood School. Robert J. White is Professor of Classics and Oriental Studies, Hunter College, City University of New York.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #70222 in Books
• Published on: 1999-10-15
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 216 pages

Language Notes
Text: English, Latin

Customer Reviews

This book was necessary
I just finished "The Name of the Rose" and I found this book necessary to decipher all the Latin texts, and the texts by other languages. The other background information in this book was valuable as well. This book is really necessary if one wants to read "The Name of the Rose" thoroughly.

Mysteries in the Monasteris
More insight on monastic life. Not very healthy, for mind or spirit in so called European DARK AGES. FREUD would have had a field day analysing these believers of witches and devils. Most likey he would have been put to the fire.

The Key to the Name of the Rose
After reading The Name of the Rose with few helps, discovering this book was quite wonderful. It goes into adaquate detail with the historical background, and I found the translations to be good and very helpful. A must for those trying the novel for the first time or for those who felt the lack of endnotes frustrating. A wonderful suppplement.