Eric Lee’s recent article on libraries re-kindled some happy memories of various libraries I have visited over the years. However, I can only think of one film (there must be more) which is centred on a library: Jean-Jacques Annaud’s The Name of the Rose (1986), adapted from the novel by Umberto Eco.
The year is 1327. There are some mysterious goings on in a Benedictine Abbey in Northern Italy; anyone working in the library, toiling away at their illuminated manuscripts, is liable to be bumped off in unpleasant circumstances. Father William of Baskerville (note the homage to Sherlock Holmes) is brought in with his faithful novice Adso of Melk — playing the role of Watson — to investigate this monastic mayhem, as monks start dropping like flies.
Without, I hope, giving too much away, I can say that the clerical hierarchy are keen to suppress certain philosophical works which they believe will undermine the power of the church if they become known. More importantly for them it will mean “vale” (for those of a non-classical disposition, “Goodbye” in Latin) to their wealth and privileges. Those who are “in the know”, i.e. the librarians and a few others, can kiss their cassocks goodbye.
Book and film are both highly recommended.
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