The book itself is a work of absolute genius. To quote the back:
The year is 1327. Franciscans in a wealthy Italian abbey are suspected of heresy, and Brother William of Baskerville arrives to investigate. When his delicate mission is suddenly overshadowed by seven bizarre deaths, Brother William turns detective. His tools are the logic of Aristotle, the theology of Aquinas, the empirical insights of Roger Bacon--all sharpened to a glistening edge by wry humor and a ferocious curiosity. He collects evidence, deciphers secret symbols and coded manuscripts, and digs into the eerie labyrinth of he abbey, where "the most interesting things happen at night."
While William is undoubtedly a fantastic character--and if that addition "of Baskerville" reminds you of Sherlock Holmes, it's certainly not misplaced--I have to add a word in favor of dear Adso, William's 'apprentice' of sorts, a novice who comes along on the diplomatic mission and also becomes embroiled in the murders of the monks, He's a dear, naive, puzzling character who is nothing if not a carnate series of conundrums.
So, yes. That's my word in for Eco. Questions, anyone? ^_^
