Baudolino

Eco returns to the Middle Ages with a wondrous, provocative tale of history, myth, and invention. In April 1204, as Constantinople is being sacked by the knights of the Fourth Crusade, Baudolino saves a Byzantine historian from certain death and begins to recount his fantastical story. Born a peasant in northern Italy, Baudolino possesses a talent for languages and a knack for deception. His life changes when he meets a foreign commander in the woods, who turns out to be Emperor Frederick Barbarossa. Adopted by the emperor, Baudolino is sent to the university in Paris, where he forms a fearless group of adventurous friends. Inspired by myths, they embark on a quest for Prester John, a legendary priest-king believed to rule a fantastical Eastern kingdom filled with bizarre creatures, eunuchs, unicorns, and beautiful maidens. As with Eco's other works, this novel features dazzling digressions, outrageous tricks, and profound reflections on our postmodern age. Baudolino is an utterly marvelous tale by the inimitable author of The Name of the Rose.