Tribute to Umberto Eco (1932 – 2016)

Italian writer Umberto Eco died at age 84 in Milan. He will be remembered as “a master of Italian culture.” His books and teachings were well known around the world. Eco is most often recognized as the author of the novel The Name of the Rose, his debut into the publishing world.

Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi spoke very fondly of Eco: “He was an extraordinary example of a European intellectual, combining unique intelligence of the past with a limitless capacity to anticipate the future.”

Eco was quoted as saying “I am a philosopher, I write novels only on the weekends.” His presence in the literary world was that of a philosopher, his novels were a mixture of captivating narratives and intellectual questioning.

The final book from Umberto Eco will be published posthumously on Februrary 26, 2016.

-Ben Jacob