Umberto Eco is Dead: Long Live Umberto Eco!

[averagegent]

It is with great regret that I am announcing, though I'm sure many of you may have heard, that the hugely popular Italian author and academic Umberto Eco died this past Friday (19th Feb).
I was a huge fan of his work, as a reader, a writer, and an academic with similar interests. I greatly enjoyed his best-selling novel 'Il Nome della Rosa' (The Name of the Rose) amongst others, and hoped to - at some point in my life - have had the pleasure of meeting him. He has, and continues to, inspire me.
Rest in peace.
Finally, a disclaimer: though the title of this topic originates in an age-old phrase, I am borrowing this particular variation from the headline of a news article...

 

[mothernaturewilleatusallforbreakfast]

I did hear this. He was one of the good ones. RIP.

 

[echie]

 

[reniaeats]

I know. Harper Lee and Umberto Eco on the same day. What a lose for for those of us who love words.

 

[phred]

"Foucault's Pendulum" was a favorite read from my college years - and left me perpetually wary of those who believe strongly in conspiracy theories... :D

 

[lochinvar]

Truly sad. "The Name of the Rose" and "Foucault's Pendulum" are two of the finest books I have ever read, and his later works, while they didn't hit me as hard as these two, were wonderful jolts to the brain.

 

[brian64]

Unfortunately I've not yet read any of his books, but I really liked the movie The Name of the Rose. I'm curious what those of you who read the book thought of the movie.

 

[averagegent]

Brian, the film was pretty good - I certainly enjoyed it! - but of course, novels can capture so much more than films. I would suggest you read the novel, then rewatch the film as a companion...

 

[dmcmtk]

Foucault's Pendulum is one of my favorite books. As Signore Garamond would say, "I will say more". I've read it at least three times, complex, great characters, interesting history, and...funny!

 

[deathmetal]

A talented writer, even if he shied away from some of the big issues. RIP.

 

[fishingandpipes]

RIP. A true loss. Foucault's Pendulum was a fantastic book, as was his nonfiction. I only recently got a copy of The Book of Imaginary Lands, perhaps it's time to break it out.

 

[fishingandpipes]

Some more pictures

 

[deathmetal]

I also like Italo Calvino, Robertson Davies and of course William S. Burroughs for similar literature...

 

[warren]

I read "The Name of the Rose." A great mystery novel with some fascinating historical information. The movie was an excellent movie. The book was an excellent book. I suppose I prefer the book but, comparing genres is tough. The writer has to set the stage with words, the director uses the stage, lighting, costumes, etc. and interprets the book, sometimes with the assistance of the author, using actors and (warning: nonPC) actresses. Further, the director has a constraint the author does not, time. In this case I believe both the author and the director produced great work.

 

[ravkesef]

I read "The Name of the Rose" in a single sitting. My head was swirling. I took my time with Foucault's Pendulum," a book whose sad ending brought me to tears. I started "The Island of the Day After Tomorrow," multiple times, but couldn't make it past page 20.

 

[deathmetal]

I suppose I prefer the book but, comparing genres is tough.

Books always have more information and more depth.
Even The Lord of the Rings series -- possibly the best movies ever made, outside of Repo Man and Apocalypse Now -- skip much of the density of the text.
I mourn Eco. Harper Lee -- the pretender -- not so much. Reminds me of every substandard High School English class; the teachers love the really obvious stuff, and miss the big point. Even she knew it.