The Pillars of the Earth: A Novel

Ken Follett

Jun 2010 · Kingsbridge Book 1 · Sold by Penguin

About this ebook

#1 New York Times Bestseller

Oprah's Book Club Selection

The “extraordinary . . . monumental masterpiece” (Booklist) that changed the course of Ken Follett’s already phenomenal career—and begins where its prequel, The Evening and the Morning, ended.

“Follett risks all and comes out a clear winner,” extolled Publishers Weekly on the release of The Pillars of the Earth. A departure for the bestselling thriller writer, the historical epic stunned readers and critics alike with its ambitious scope and gripping humanity. Today, it stands as a testament to Follett’s unassailable command of the written word and to his universal appeal. 
 
The Pillars of the Earth tells the story of Philip, prior of Kingsbridge, a devout and resourceful monk driven to build the greatest Gothic cathedral the world has known . . . of Tom, the mason who becomes his architect—a man divided in his soul . . . of the beautiful, elusive Lady Aliena, haunted by a secret shame . . . and of a struggle between good and evil that will turn church against state and brother against brother.
 
A spellbinding epic tale of ambition, anarchy, and absolute power set against the sprawling medieval canvas of twelfth-century England, this is Ken Follett’s historical masterpiece.

Ratings and reviews

This is an amazing fiction book based on real mankind history which teaches us a lot about the power of perseverance and faith in our innermost beliefs whilst teaching us about how churches evolved in Europe, and how the Church was influent in middle age politics. Not a five stars only because Ken Follet is way too crazy about describing churches architecture.

Not the best book ever like a lot of the comments say. A lot of life lessons and morals, but it's a great book for those who care about monks, priests and kings

Lots of connections. Mostly predictable story lines. Although interestingly depicted. I found myself accurately concluding the next surprise outcome often. Still kept me engaged. Would have liked to have been surprised more. Still a great read. And cool back story on real history. Great Follett as per usual.

About the author

Ken Follett is one of the world’s best-loved authors, selling more than 160 million copies of his thirty books. Follett’s first bestseller was Eye of the Needle, a spy story set in the Second World War. 

In 1989 The Pillars of the Earth was published, and has since become the author’s most successful novel. It reached number one on bestseller lists around the world and was an Oprah’s Book Club pick.
 
Its sequels, World Without End and A Column of Fire, proved equally popular, and the Kingsbridge series has sold 38 million copies worldwide.
 
Follett lives in Hertfordshire, England, with his wife Barbara. Between them they have five children, six grandchildren, and three Labradors.