Umberto Eco (5 January 1932 – 19 February 2016) was an Italian medievalist, philosopher, semiotician, novelist, cultural critic, and political and social commentator. He is best known for his popular 1980 novel The Name of the Rose, a historical mystery combining semiotics in fiction with biblical analysis, medieval studies, and literary theory. Eco also gained recognition for Foucault's Pendulum, his 1988 novel that touches on similar themes.

Eco wrote prolifically throughout his life, producing children's books, translations from French and English, and a twice-monthly newspaper column "La Bustina di Minerva" in the magazine L'Espresso starting in 1985. At the time of his death, he was an Emeritus professor at the University of Bologna, where he taught for much of his career. His 1995 essay "Ur-Fascism" continues to be cited for its analysis of fascist ideologies.

Born in Alessandria, Italy, Eco's early education at a technical high school in Turin prepared him for studies in medieval and philosophical studies at the University of Turin, culminating in degrees in Latin mysticism and theoretical medieval philosophy. Eco's formative years in Italy's post-war transformation influenced his works significantly. He is considered an expert on Italy and its culture, a designation he cherished until his passing.

During his academic career, Eco wrote foundational works on semiotics, contributing to fields such as genetics, pedagogy, and linguistics. He held a full professorship at Bocconi University in Milan and taught at prestigious institutions like Yale and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Eco's novels, including The Name of the Rose and Foucault's Pendulum, are celebrated for their artistry and philosophical depth, garnering critical acclaim and numerous awards.

Eco's exploration of semiotics and narrative analysis offered new insights into literature and culture, making significant contributions to literary studies and beyond. His legacy as a pioneering semiotician, innovative writer, and influential intellectual endures, inspiring readers and thinkers around the world.