[skiboyx]

Foucault's Pendulum is, I think, the book that turned me on to reading world literature when I read it early in 2004. I can remember picking it up because it looked quite interesting and then, once into it, I found myself taking weeks to get through it. Never before had I read anything so dense yet readable. Granted, a lot probably went over my head, but it has stuck with me and, because of it, I went on an Eco binge which didn't last long as, at the time, he only had four novels to his name.

If you don't know of this book - and where have you been? - then here's a quick summary:
Three Milanese intellectuals get a job in a vanity publisher (which deals with esoteric subjects) and can't help laughing at some of the crap that gets sent to them. One day a panicking guy comes to visit them with his manuscript to which we learn about the Knights' Templar and they laugh it off, send him packing. This, incidentally, is a small section of the book which pisses on the whole history in The Da Vinci Code, a book written almost 20 years later). The guy leaves but is soon found dead which leads our three intellectuals to wonder if, indeed, there is something in all this rubbish and they begin to create their own secret history of the world, developed from something found by the murdered bloke. And they create it and create it and you, as the reader, can't help but marvel at how they reconstruct the whole secret history of the world. There are, of course, others who would kill for this knowledge.I think, once the upcoming Booker is out of the way, I will reread it because I remember it as a real gem, but then I don't remember much now, other than some set pieces, the conclusion, and a section set in Brazil that I scraped and crawled through. As an introduction to Eco, I had no idea what hit me - the masochist in me liked it though.

Have many others read it? Do you prefer it to, say, The Name Of The Rose?

[Xxedxevh]

I read it. Funnily enough, it was recommended by a reviewer on amazon who didn't like The Da Vinci Code. Maybe that was you!

I know exactly what you mean by "dense but readable". I thought it was great, but I haven't ventured to more of Eco's books yet. I think I have the Flame something something one on the shelf.

[tramadoldiscountes]

There are four kinds of people in this world: cretins, fools, morons, and lunatics. The lunatic is all id?e fixe, and whatever he comes across confirms his lunacy. You can tell him by the liberties he takes with common sense, by his flashes of inspiration, and by the fact that sooner or later he brings up the Templars. I consider Foucault's Pendulum Eco's best book by far. I re-read it two years ago and loved it even more the second time around; it's such a brilliant combination of lecturing, autobiography and viciously gleeful satire - the final few chapters make up one of the most satisfactory endings I've ever read. Eco has been quoted as saying "when people no longer believe in anything, they'll believe in anything;" that's this book boiled down into one soundbite.

There are definitely some similar ideas in FP and TNOTR; both sprang, I believe, partly from the political turmoil in 1970s Italy as much as from any religious concerns. After all, absolute dogmatism looks remarkably similar regardless of whether it's directed towards Marx, Jesus or the New World Order. Both Belbo and William of Baskerville are agents of doubt, of always wanting to learn more rather than settle for one absolute indisputable truth - especially if that truth leads to thinking you're superior to everyone else. To quote Swedish writer Tage Danielsson, "without a doubt you can't be wise."

As for the similarities between FP and the Dan Brown Book Which Shall Not Be Mentioned, I saw Eco give a talk in Stockholm when The Mysterious Flame of Queen Loana was released. He was asked whether he considered Dan Brown his literary son, and replied (paraphrased from memory): "I haven't read it, but I could probably put together a bibliography on it... I think the difference is that while I wrote about the people who believe in conspiracy theories, Dan Brown actually believes in them himself. In that way he's not my son, but possibly my bastard."

[downtowndude]

It is on my reread list as well. (But then so is Moby-Dick.) It is the conspiracy novel to end all conspiracy novels (no, The Illuminati trilogy doesn't count, this is at a whole different level) and I think Eco's best. One less obvious satirical level at which it works (to expand on what Bjorn says) is on the infighting amongst semioticians (at a time that the West was discovering Bakhtin and rediscovering Peirce, but that's just one side of the story), a topic Eco knows professionally as well as anyone. Which in turn makes for much epistemological play.

[wrewsTear]

That was one of the best parts Bjorn, thank you so much for posting it. I always felt with Umberto Eco's books that as soon as you passed the first 50-70 pages it is easy to read. Does anyone feel the same way?

[KlaraNovikoffa]

That was one of the best parts Bjorn, thank you so much for posting it. I always felt with Umberto Eco's books that as soon as you passed the first 50-70 pages it is easy to read. Does anyone feel the same way?

I haven't yet read Foucault's Pendulum, Ellen, but my ex-boyfriend said the first 70-75 pages were extremely difficult to get through. Being a history professor and a scholar, I was a little surprised by this. Usually, nothing is over his head and he rarely finds a book to be particularly abstruse. Yet, according to him, those first 75 pages were horrible. He told me that they're full of useless knowledge about things that don't directly pertain to the story. Does anyone else have thoughts about this? I've already asked Stewart's opinion, and he couldn't remember what his take was on those first 75 pages. Perhaps nnyhav or Bjorn would have a few thoughts? I've just gotten a copy of the book from the library. However, I've been carefully considering the idea of getting my own copy as I would then be able to read it at my leisure (though I am a fast reader).

~Titania

[Abarricoss]

I haven't yet read Foucault's Pendulum, Ellen, but my ex-boyfriend said the first 70-75 pages were extremely difficult to get through.

All for tell us that she has a boyfriend, jk



I didn't read the book linearly and I've enjoy it very much. Is like that classic of Pauwels, but with the form of a fiction.

[KlaraNovikoffa]

All for tell us that she has a boyfriend

Oh, dear me, you've found me out, Settembrini! Next you'll have me blushing! I do hope you noticed the word "ex" before the word boyfriend, though. I'm single now....and dangerous! Even Mirabell seems to sense this, if you go by what he recently said about me on the "Recent Purchases" thread.

I didn't read the book linearly and I've enjoy it very much. Is like that classic of Pauwels, but with the form of a fiction.

Sounds good to me. I don't let anyone keep me from reading a book, no matter how much I value their opinion. Actually, the only reason I posted a comment to this thread was because of what Ellen said regarding the first 50-75 pages of the book. As for boyfriends, I have plenty of chances to talk about those (ex or otherwise) on other threads! Plus, I'm working on a personal memoir. Just kidding...so far, at any rate .

Cheers,
Titania

[erepsysoulptnw]

Oh, dear me, you've found me out, Settembrini! Next you'll have me blushing! I do hope you noticed the word "ex" before the word boyfriend, though. I'm single now....and dangerous! Even Mirabell seems to sense this, if you go by what he recently said about me on the "Recent Purchases" thread.

Single, eh? I think I heard Eric buy a ticket to the United States just now? Or was that me? Ah, it's always the same old story. Burly boozers chasing after bookish beauties.

[KlaraNovikoffa]

Single, eh? I think I heard Eric buy a ticket to the United States just now? Or was that me?

Hmmmm...it must be you, luv .

Ah, it's always the same old story. Burly boozers chasing after bookish beauties.

I like that term, "bookish beauties". That's really quite lovely. I had no idea you were such a charmer, Mirabell. If there's one thing I appreciate, it's a man with charm. Why you must have those women in Bonn in a swoon!

Ta Ta,
Titania

[erepsysoulptnw]

Why you must have those women in Bonn in a swoon!

so I have, indeed, women and men., although they pale in comparison, of course.

[casinobonusfrees]

I read it a few monthes ago and loved it.Even if at time one get lost in intricate cross references,the tone and the plot kept putting one back on track.
I can easely imagine a re-read better for the terrain being a bit prepared then,having ones marks to focus more one quality of the writting instead of not getting astray.
I also liked the deep ironie of Eco about his own work.The interest of studies and research but the frailty of interpretation.The fact that all those highly instructed peoples run after chimeric clues.The adictiveness of the search in itself.
The main difference betwin Eco and Brown is there,and the fact that Brown style is much closer to Dick Francis.

[KlaraNovikoffa]

so I have, indeed, women and men., although they pale in comparison, of course.

Ah...you know just the right thing to say to a woman . Don't get me wrong, luv--I'm sure men are charmed by you, too. You're clever, witty, charming, AND you read Hannah Arendt. What can I say? Your fiancee is a lucky lady indeed.

Ta Ta,
Titania

[KlaraNovikoffa]

I read it a few monthes ago and loved it.Even if at time one get lost in intricate cross references,the tone and the plot kept putting one back on track.

I appreciate your sharing your thoughts on the book, Thomas. I haven't ever read any of Eco's work before; however, having heard him give a lecture in person, I'm expecting his writing to reflect the intellectual and learned man I heard speak. I also had the chance to meet him briefly. He doesn't speak English well. Thus, I was unable to communicate with him very successfully. I am most anxious to familiarize myself with his work, however. I realize what an important author he is and feel it is incumbent upon me to read one of his novels. I believe I remember Foucault's Pendulum being on your list of favorite books, Thomas. So, that means that two people at this forum whose tastes I respect--you and Stewart--have included Foucault's Pendulum on your list of favorites. Thus, how can I possibly pass up the chance of reading it?

I can easely imagine a re-read better for the terrain being a bit prepared then,having ones marks to focus more one quality of the writting instead of not getting astray.

This is the great thing about re-reading a book, particularly one that is somewhat intricate. You notice things that escaped you the first time. Moreover, you come to the book knowing exactly what to expect. So, there are no surprises in store for you.

I also liked the deep ironie of Eco about his own work.The interest of studies and research but the frailty of interpretation.The fact that all those highly instructed peoples run after chimeric clues.The adictiveness of the search in itself. The main difference betwin Eco and Brown is there,and the fact that Brown style is much closer to Dick Francis.

I haven't ever read Dan Brown. To be candid, I haven't any interest in reading him, either. I could see, from glancing through Foucault's Pendulum and reading the description of the story, that it might have some things in common with The DaVinci Code. However, I daresay that the difference between the quality of writing would make any profound comparisons erroneous.

Thanks,
Titania

PS I haven't ever read any Dick Francis, either.

[KlaraNovikoffa]

Mirabell,
I just noticed that Eco's The Name of the Rose is on your list of favorite books. Unfortunately, I'm at a disadvantage in that I don't have a printer. I have to keep returning to the 50 Favorites Book thread if I want to know what a certain listmember's favorite books are--or, alternatively, I can just rely on my memory. That doesn't always work, though . I assume you must prefer The Name of the Rose to Foucault's Pendulum since it's the one on your list. Any reason for this? And would you say it's a better Eco novel to begin with? I need to buy a copy of it as the one I've got is in such sad shape it might fall apart as I'm reading it.

Speaking of favorites, I just got a copy of Mishima's Spring Snow from the library. I didn't rememeber it being on your list--but, to my surpise, I saw it was. I'm looking forward to reading it.

Ta Ta,
Titania

[erepsysoulptnw]

no, i actually prefer pendulum. I am spontaneous and do not have a good memory, so I just put what came to mind on the list.

i recommend alison bechdel's fun home to you, by the way. review forthcoming.

[KlaraNovikoffa]

no, i actually prefer pendulum. I am spontaneous and do not have a good memory, so I just put what came to mind on the list.

Thanks for the reply. I'll definitely start with Pendulum then. I'm spontaneous, too. Many of my favorite books change from one day
to the next.

i recommend alison bechdel's fun home to you, by the way. review forthcoming.

I'll look forward to the review....and appreciate the recommendation. I've just started a book by an Estonian writer--Jaan Kross's The Czar's Madman. I'm sure Eric already recommended this to you. However, for what it's worth, I second the recommendation .

My review of Junichiro's Some Prefer Nettles will be forthcoming....

Ta Ta,
Titania

[KlaraNovikoffa]

i recommend alison bechdel's fun home to you

I just ordered this book from the library. Thanks, luv.

Ta Ta,
Titania

[Phouepou]

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.

[KlaraNovikoffa]

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.

What an excellent review! I bought myself a copy of Foucault's Pendulum for Christmas. Going book-shopping on Christmas Eve is a tradition for my mum and me; so, this year I got (among other things) Foucault's Pendulum, Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie, and Soul Mountain by Gao Xingjian. I plan to read at least two of the three within the year.

Considering the fact that a lot of literature isn't "deep" enough to suit my taste, I suspect that Foucault's Pendulum will certainly be just the sort of novel I will enjoy. The reason I've been in love with Russian literature since I was a young girl, is because of the psyhological insights the Russian novels offer the reader. When you refer to Foucault's Pendulum as more "philosophical treatise" than novel, I know with certainty that it will hold my attention. You're right in saying that very few novels engage our attention fully. For the most part, as you will notice if you browse my post to the "50 Favorite Books" thread, the books I read are "classics." This is because, from my experience, the writers of the past have a deeper understanding of human nature than the authors of today. I have yet to find writer on a par with Balzac, Dostoevsky, Dickens, or Henry James among contemporary writers. But then, I haven't yet read Eco....

By the way, welcome to this forum! I can't think of a more splendid way to introduce yourself than by sharing such insightful comments with all of us about a book that many of us are interested in. I hope to become better acquainted with you as you continue posting!

Thanks....and best wishes for 2009!

~Titania