‘The Name of the Rose’ is not a true story. It is a historical mystery novel written by Italian author Umberto Eco. The book was first published in 1980 and is set in an Italian monastery in the year 1327. While the novel incorporates real historical events, figures, and settings, the main plot and characters are fictional.
Umberto Eco, a renowned semiotician and medievalist, used his extensive knowledge of the Middle Ages to create a richly detailed and authentic backdrop for the story. The novel explores themes of truth, knowledge, and the power of books, making it a compelling read that feels historically grounded even though it is a work of fiction.