#1 New York Times BestsellerOprah’s Book Club SelectionThe “extraordinary . . . monumental masterpiece” (Booklist) that changed the course of Ken Follett’s already phenomenal career. Look out for Ken’s newest book, A Column of Fire, available now.“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 … 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.
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I read this book many years ago and still rate it in my top 10 lifetime favorites.
It’s been several years since I read this, and it still sticks in my mind. I loved the tie ins to real history, as well as the imaginative story, and all the things I learned as asides.
This is my all-time favorite book. I am preparing to reread it again soon.
A special literary work! Excellent research giving it a strong foundtion. Superb writing.
My favorite..have read it several times..
This book is beautifully written with a wonderful cast of characters. In depth descriptions of the characters’ qualities, state of their lives, as well as accurate descriptions of the architecture and time that the story occurred added to the richness of the story. I felt as though I were transported in time. Great read!
I read this several years ago. It’s one of the best books I’ve ever read. My daughter borrowed it and she loved it so much that she read it a 2nd time. It’s been so long since I read it, I might just go back and re-read it again too.
A historical drama, well done and full of accurate details.
One of the best historical drama’s I’ve ever read. Completely addictive with so much heart wrenching reality. The architectural details were amazing as well as the religious control and fear, superstition and power struggles. The characters, their strengths, passions and weaknesses were so humanly relatable. I read this before the mini series was made and did enjoy the series as well, however there is nothing like reading the thoughts and feelings in the written word. Highly recommend! Is on my keep list!
This book grabbed my attention from the first page. I loved the characters and learned a lot about building a cathedral.
Just finished this book recommended to me by my brother-in-law. It is a lengthy jamb packed book. I enjoyed every minute. It is a little hard to keep track of the many characters in the beginning, but as you come to know them for who they are… There are characters to love and characters that you love to hate. There is redemption for some at the end.
For years this was my favorite book of all time. It still is one of my favorites. Loved the story and the characters.
So well researched, utterly believable and wonderfully written. You are there!
An excellent book if you love historical fiction — it is wonderful. Could not put it down and have read it twice more —
The first in an excellent trilogy! Ken Follett is my favorite author.
Fabulous! We have to remember there was a first time for everything. A first time for a cathedral?
I listened to it. Very good but would have loved the steamy parts removed
This is a great trilogy. Historical, can be tedious architectually but very good read
Enjoyed it very much!
I loved the characters in this book, beautifully written and portrayed. The story was riveting but most amazingly, I never thought I would be so fascinated by the story of building a cathedral down to the design elements. But Follett writes so well and so compellingly, I found myself completely enthralled.