Baudolino

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Umberto Eco: Baudolino (2014, Penguin Random House)

528 pages

English language

Published Nov. 10, 2014 by Penguin Random House.

ISBN:
978-1-4735-1222-1
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5 stars (1 review)

Born a simple peasant in northern Italy, Baudolino narrates the story of his life, from his adoption by Emperor Frederick Barbarossa and his education in Paris to his arrival in Constantinople during the turmoil of the Fourth Crusade.

40 editions

Exploring the line between myth and history

5 stars

(I wrote this review in October 2003!) With all of the bizarre fiction present in the piles of Masonic books which have been published over the last three hundred years, it may seem strange that this book review recommends a piece of fiction to Masons which has absolutely nothing to do with Freemasonry. Umberto Eco's latest novel is a strange voyage through 12th century Europe. The book's title character is a peasant whose talents at learning languages and telling lies attract the attention of the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick I, who adopts him. The book is a chronicle of Baudolino's life as told by himself. It begins as truths and minor tall tales which quickly spiral into a fantastic tale so unbelievable that the reader is left wondering if any of Baudolino's story has a grain of truth in it.

There are several reasons I believe this book would be …

Subjects

  • Fiction, historical, general