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Cover of Foucault's Pendulum
Mystery & Thriller· Italy

Foucault's Pendulum

by Umberto Eco
Aggregate Editorial Score37/100
ALA Notable Books
Published 1988656 pagesEnglish
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About This Book

Few works of mystery & thriller have earned the sustained critical attention that Foucault's Pendulum (1988) by Umberto Eco continues to receive. Three editors at a Milan publishing house invent an elaborate conspiracy theory involving the Knights Templar, only to find that the imaginary conspiracy begins to become real. Eco's baroque, erudite thriller is a meditation on the seductive power of conspiracy thinking. Themes of conspiracy, semiotics, Knights Templar run through the work. The book has received recognition from ALA Notable Books 1988.

Book Details

AuthorUmberto Eco
Published1988
Country of Origin🇮🇹 Italy
LanguageEnglish
Pages656
Category🔍 Mystery & Thriller
ISBN9780156032971
Editorial Score37/100
About the Category

🔍 Mystery & Thriller

Suspenseful fiction built around crime, detection, and hidden truths.

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Country of Origin

🇮🇹 Italy

This book is part of Italy's rich literary tradition.

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Editorial Assessment

Foucault's Pendulum by Umberto Eco sits within the tradition of mystery & thriller that treats language as seriously as plot. Published in 1988 in Italy, it engages with conspiracy, semiotics, Knights Templar, books in ways that have earned it lasting critical attention. Among its recognitions: ALA Notable Books 1988. With an editorial score of 37/100 drawn from 1 independent sources, the book occupies a well-documented position in the critical literature. Its recognition spans international prizes, "best of" lists, and academic surveys. The appeal of Foucault's Pendulum lies partly in its refusal to offer easy answers. Its exploration of conspiracy, semiotics, Knights Templar, books is sustained, textured, and genuinely thought-provoking in ways that stay with readers well after the final page. Foucault's Pendulum reflects Umberto Eco's place in a wider literary tradition. The book's concerns resonate with Italy's broader cultural preoccupations, even as they reach beyond any single national context.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

ALA Notable Books
notable · national
198810
✍️
About the Author
Umberto Eco
Italy
View Author →

Umberto Eco is a celebrated author from Italy known for influential works of mystery thriller.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Foucault's Pendulum about?

Three editors at a Milan publishing house invent an elaborate conspiracy theory involving the Knights Templar, only to find that the imaginary conspiracy begins to become real. Eco's baroque, erudite thriller is a meditation on the seductive power of conspiracy thinking.

Who wrote Foucault's Pendulum?

Foucault's Pendulum was written by Umberto Eco, from Italy. First published in 1988.

What awards has Foucault's Pendulum won?

Foucault's Pendulum has received the following awards and honours: ALA Notable Books 1988.

Is Foucault's Pendulum worth reading?

Foucault's Pendulum is a book that has earned critical recognition, with an aggregate editorial score of 10/100 on 50 Best Books, based on mentions across 1 editorial source. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in conspiracy, semiotics, Knights Templar.

Where can I buy Foucault's Pendulum?

You can buy Foucault's Pendulum on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is Foucault's Pendulum?

Foucault's Pendulum is classified as Mystery & Thriller. Suspenseful fiction built around crime, detection, and hidden truths.

What country is Foucault's Pendulum from?

Foucault's Pendulum originates from Italy's literary tradition. Explore more books from Italy on our country page.

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