How well are medieval monastic libraries presented in Umberto Eco's 'The name of the rose'?

Abstract

Umberto Eco set The Name of the Rose in the late Middle Ages, a period of great change in library structure, administration and content. Paying great attention to detail Eco accurately depicts monasteries in the Middle Ages and only departs from historical fact in the description of the library and all that is connected to it. He is true to the location of the library and scriptorium within the abbey, but alters the dimensions and proportion of both. His changes are inspired by medieval edifices such as Chartres and Rheims Cathedrals, as well as Castel del Monte. The organisation of the library and scriptorium is in part founded on fact, although the catalogue differs considerably from extant records. The role of the librarian and the administration of the library are however accurately depicted. His portrayal of the scriptorium owes much to St Gall, deviating only in its excess size and manpower. The scribes' duties and the way they are carried out are however very flawlessly illustrated. The scope of the library as well as the range and debt of its contents are to a great extent overstated in their numbers though not in composition, and are not representative of the monks' reading habits. The mystery surrounding the library and inflexible nature ultimately lead to its own destruction.