Once a columnist for an Italian literary magazine, Eco now shares his acute and highly entertaining sense of the absurd in modern life. These essays explore diverse topics including militarism, computerese, cowboy and Indian movies, art criticism, librarians, and semiotics, among many others—including himself.

Eco's witty and irreverent style makes these essays a delightful read, providing insightful commentary on the quirks of contemporary culture. Whether discussing Western films or the intricacies of bureaucracy, Eco's observations are both profound and playful.