Someone has said Foucault's Pendulum is the thinking person's DaVinci Code. Interestingly, Eco himself refers to Dan Brown as one of his 'creatures' who obsessively follows conspiracy theories without regard for truth and logic. Intellectual insults aside, I think this book is one of the best volumes of the second half of the 20th century. I read in about a week, and there were times when I literally had to stop and catch my breath because I was so overwhelmed by the brilliant philosophy. More philosophical treatise than fiction novel, it's one of those rare books that forces you to be engaged in it. To call it 'the thinking person's DaVinci Code' is a gross understatement. It's like comparing the eloquence of Montesquieu and Oprah. One of my college professors has called it 'the proof of fire for any intellectual'. If you're looking for a quick thriller move on, this book is not for you. For those that want a bit more from their literature, Foucault's Pendulum certainly delivers a colossal punch.