663: Ron Perlman

The novel, set in 1327, follows Adso of Melk, a young Benedictine novice, and William of Baskerville, a Franciscan friar, as they investigate a series of murders at an abbey in northern Italy. The story is framed by a complex narrative structure and involves debates on theology, science, and politics. The abbey's labyrinthine library, which houses a forbidden book, is central to the mystery. As the investigation unfolds, William and Adso uncover a conspiracy related to the library and a hidden manuscript that could undermine religious and societal order[2][3][5].

The novel follows Edward Prendick, a man who survives a maritime disaster and is rescued by a ship. He is eventually left on an island where he encounters Dr. Moreau, a scientist notorious for his vivisection experiments. On the island, Prendick discovers that Moreau has been conducting bizarre experiments to create 'Beast Folk' by genetically modifying animals to give them human-like characteristics. The story delves into themes of evolution, ethics in science, and the nature of humanity, highlighting the moral and societal implications of Moreau's experiments and the eventual collapse of his creations' adherence to the laws imposed upon them.

The book is divided into two sections: 'The Teachings' and 'A Structural Analysis'. It describes Castaneda's experiences with Don Juan Matus, a self-proclaimed Yaqui Indian Sorcerer, between 1960 and 1965. The narrative includes encounters with teaching spirits, divination, and transformations induced by the ingestion of peyote, jimson weed, and magic mushrooms. The book challenges traditional perceptions of reality, emphasizing the importance of shifting one's perception and consciousness to achieve true freedom. Despite its initial presentation as an anthropological work, it is now widely considered to be a work of fiction[1][4][5].