Book cover of On the Shoulders of Giants

Book description

A posthumous collection of essays by one of our greatest contemporary thinkers that provides a towering vision of Western culture.

In Umberto Eco's first novel, The Name of the Rose, Nicholas of Morimondo laments, "We no longer have the learning of the ancients, the age of giants is past!" To…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked On the Shoulders of Giants as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Umberto Eco’s novels and non-fiction have shaped my life as a writer, and brought me a lot of joy.

His essays unfailingly make me see the world differently; his style is so simple, so intimate, and friendly, that the revelations feel like gentle little gifts along the way.

This collection of essays is based on lectures Eco delivered in Milan in the last 15 years of his life, and they cover several topics touching on art, literature, and philosophy. I listened to this in the car, and after every drive I found myself wanting to talk the latest essay over…

If you love On the Shoulders of Giants...

Ad

Book cover of The High House

The High House by James Stoddard,

The Victorian mansion, Evenmere, is the mechanism that runs the universe.

The lamps must be lit, or the stars die. The clocks must be wound, or Time ceases. The Balance between Order and Chaos must be preserved, or Existence crumbles.

Appointed the Steward of Evenmere, Carter Anderson must learn the…

Want books like On the Shoulders of Giants?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like On the Shoulders of Giants.

Browse books like On the Shoulders of Giants

Book cover of Ways of Seeing
Book cover of David Hockney: A Yorkshire Sketchbook
Book cover of You Are an Artist: Assignments to Spark Creation

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,210

readers submitted
so far, will you?

Ad

📚 If you like On the Shoulders of Giants, you might also like...

Book cover of Aggressor

Aggressor by FX Holden,

It is April 1st, 2038. Day 60 of China's blockade of the rebel island of Taiwan.

The US government has agreed to provide Taiwan with a weapons system so advanced that it can disrupt the balance of power in the region. But what pilot would be crazy enough to run…

Book cover of The Duke's Christmas Redemption

The Duke's Christmas Redemption by Arietta Richmond,

A Duke who has rejected love, a Lady who dreams of a love match, an arranged marriage, a house full of secrets, a most unneighborly neighbor, a plot to destroy reputations, an unexpected love that redeems it all.

Lady Charlotte Wyndham, given in an arranged marriage to a man she…

5 book lists we think you will like!