Questions About Foucault’s Pendulum

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Is Foucault's Pendulum a difficult read?

J Yes, it's difficult unless you are a human encyclopedia like the writer.…moreYes, it's difficult unless you are a human encyclopedia like the writer.(less)

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This book uses the phrase "facies hermeticae" a few times and I've yet to figure out what it means in the given context. The top google results are quotations from the book, can anyone explain what Eco means by this?

Douglas Roberts I'm pretty sure it's a joke at the expense of the hermetic characters the publishers spend much of their time with, as when it's first used it's about…moreI'm pretty sure it's a joke at the expense of the hermetic characters the publishers spend much of their time with, as when it's first used it's about how they literally all have a certain look about them (Lorenza says "professional sorcerers with faces exactly like professional sorcerers", then describes them. Diotallevi quips "Facies hermetica", and from then on it's an in-joke).(less)

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how do i read this book do i have to order it???

Dan'l Eco is a major, modern author, and this book was a best seller. I cannot imagine that it is that hard to get from the public library.

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Is Foucault's Pendulum a difficult read? Does it have any story line or plot or characters? I read 'Holy Blood Holy Grail' sometime back and was a long read for me. Will Foucault's Pendulum be similar to it?

Dan'l This book is, if anything, more difficult than that. It is a critique and satire of that and similar books, and expects a broad knowledge of history, …moreThis book is, if anything, more difficult than that. It is a critique and satire of that and similar books, and expects a broad knowledge of history, philosophy, arts, sciences, etc. (less)

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Soon going to France & as a part of my tour, would like to visit the places mentioned in the book.. Was wondering if anyone already made a list of them, visit those places, etc?? Just to get some usefil tips about it. Thank you Tity

Richard Heket As you asked this, no doubt, before Eco's death in February 2016, and have since been to France, and back again, my hope is that at least you went to …moreAs you asked this, no doubt, before Eco's death in February 2016, and have since been to France, and back again, my hope is that at least you went to Saint Martin des Champs to see the Pendulum. And, the point is: no, it's everybody's business to know(less)

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