Umberto Eco''s "The Name of the Rose" was first published in 1980 and is intelligently designed, with each chapter headed by a distinguished title in Caslon Antique, followed by a witty Rose-like commentary on the chapter''s content. There are four main chapters with a few helpful extras at the beginning and end; in fact, the large number of pages taken to explain religious theologies, historical occurrences and detailed descriptions, may seem boring, but this novel is definetely worth reading for its brilliant plot and the endearing characters the author portraits.Set in Italy in the Middle Ages, this is not only a narrative of a murder investigation in a monastery in 1327, but also a chronicle of the 14th century religious wars, a history of monastic orders, and a compedium of heretical movements. The plot revolves around half a dozen of monks being murdered in the most bizarre of ways one after the other. This is where William of Baskerville, the "detective" of the book, begins to be a part of the story. But who is William Baskerville? Well, he is a Franciscan monk who is extremely proud of his own intellect, has deductive powers that could rival Hercule Poirot''s, as well as a burning obsession with learning and knowing the truth, who is sent to solve the mystery of the six murders, and who finds himself involved in this intriguing web. The other important player of this game is the narrator, Adso of Melk, a naive monk who is sent to serve William, but who ends up playing a major role in the mystery which sets in at the abbey. This outstanding story benefits from being a mystery novel, using intrigue, adventure, carefully executed pacing, and suspense, to propel the scenario forward. "The Name of the Rose" has an incredibly broad appeal, being a highly respected canonical work at the same time as it is an international bestseller.