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Verband der Antiquare Österreichs

Umberto Eco (1932-2016)

20 February 2016
I was deeply saddened upon learning of the death of Umberto Eco, Patron of Honor of ILAB and ALAI, philosopher, scientist, homme de lettres, customer and friend to so many of us. I am extremely grateful to have met this outstanding person many times, and I remember the many discussions about books with him during the book fairs in Milano. He was, by all fair means, a brilliant thinker and an extremely cultivated and educated man. What probably counts even more, is the fact that he had a critical look on his beloved country, Italy, and he didn't hesitate to oppose many politicians whenever he had the feeling that they were wrong.
Articles 1798 image1 eco2016

I was deeply saddened upon learning of the death of Umberto Eco, Patron of Honor of ILAB and ALAI, philosopher, scientist, homme de lettres, customer and friend to so many of us. I am extremely grateful to have met this outstanding person many times, and I remember the many discussions about books with him during the book fairs in Milano. He was, by all fair means, a brilliant thinker and an extremely cultivated and educated man. What probably counts even more, is the fact that he had a critical look on his beloved country, Italy, and he didn’t hesitate to oppose many politicians whenever he had the feeling that they were wrong.

On behalf of ILAB, I would like to express my deepest felt condolences. All of us will miss Umberto Eco greatly.

Norbert Donhofer, President of ILAB