Foucault's Pendulum

Umberto Eco

73 pages 2-hour read

Umberto Eco

Foucault's Pendulum

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1988

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

Umberto Eco

Foucault's Pendulum

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1988
Book Details
Pages

640

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Mystery & Crime Fiction

Italian Literature

Historical Fiction
Setting

Milan, Italy • 1980s

Theme
Truth & Lies

Shame & Pride

Good & Evil
Publication Year

1988

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Foucault's Pendulum by Umberto Eco follows three vanity press employees, Belbo, Casaubon, and Diotallevi, who create a fictional conspiracy for amusement, blending historical myths and occult theories. As their satire, dubbed "The Plan," draws real conspiracists, Belbo is targeted by a secret society believing he holds the key to hidden Templar treasure, leading to deadly consequences.

Mysterious

Suspenseful

Challenging

Informative

Dark

Reviews & Readership

4.0

73,658 ratings

69%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Umberto Eco's Foucault's Pendulum fascinates with its intricate plot and intellectual depth, appealing to those who appreciate historical and philosophical narratives. Critics praise its rich tapestry of references and complex structure. However, some find it overly dense and challenging to follow. While celebrated for its ambition, it may not suit readers seeking straightforward storytelling.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Foucault's Pendulum?

Readers who appreciate dense, intellectually stimulating novels like Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code or Thomas Pynchon’s The Crying of Lot 49 would enjoy Umberto Eco’s Foucault’s Pendulum. This reader often delights in historical intricacies, secret societies, and complex narrative structures.

4.0

73,658 ratings

69%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Character List

A scholar and researcher at Garamond Press with an encyclopedic memory, who navigates the complexities of scholarly pursuits amid social changes.

An editor at Garamond Press and Casaubon’s mentor, whose experiences and decisions drive much of the narrative’s central conflict.

A mysterious figure claiming vast knowledge of the occult, whose influence and rivalry with Belbo create tension and intrigue.

An editor specializing in reference materials, contributing his interest in Jewish mysticism and numerical symbolism to the developing Plan.

Casaubon’s intellectual equal and partner, who provides critical insights that challenge the protagonist's project.

An enigmatic woman who captivates Belbo, her relationships highlighting his insecurities and struggles.

Book Details
Pages

640

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Mystery & Crime Fiction

Italian Literature

Historical Fiction
Setting

Milan, Italy • 1980s

Theme
Truth & Lies

Shame & Pride

Good & Evil
Publication Year

1988

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Buy This Book

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 10,350+ additional titles.