The final collection of essays from the internationally acclaimed and bestselling author of "The Name of the Rose" and "Prague of Pericles", on art and culture. In this collection of essays, Umberto Eco's timeless areas of interest are explored in a lively and engaging way, accompanied by beautiful depictions of the art being discussed. In these widely distinguished pieces, he explores the roots of our culture, changing ideas about beauty, our obsession with conspiracies, and the iconic heroes of the great narrative, among other fascinating topics. Umberto Eco was one of the most influential and entertaining intellectuals of the past century, as well as a critically acclaimed and bestselling author of both fiction and non-fiction.