#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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Did not like the book much…too long and drawn out
Exciting, realistic and dramatic read.
Absolutely mesmerizing!
The best book I ever read. Set during medevil times and gave a very good insight of life back then. Lots of intrigue and manipulation of people that keep things on edge.anyone I know who has read that book agrees. All kinds of characters from simple peasants to mean and cruel princes and bishops all vying for power. I highly recommend this book.
Terrific story!
Tremendously fasted paced page turner. Enjoyable from first to last page.
Read this before going on a trip to England- it helped to understand how the cathedrals came about and was written so well – might deduct from the total thzRead itbe5
Great historical fiction.
So well written and tugs at your spiritual heartstrings. Why are we here? To follow the teachings of Jesus or build huge buildings to worship the name? Follett is brilliant with historical research and a great story!
One of my all time favorite reads – and I’ve read it multiple times! Great characters and a story that keeps you interested and intrigued
EXCELLENT book…different than anything I’ve read.. long but worth it…
This book is part of a 3 book set that is entertaining and historically correct with plots that never disappoint. What I have come to expect from Follet.
Ken Follett, like James Michener, is a master storyteller. In this story, he is able to bring us back in history to world that most of us fell asleep learning about in school. AND he does it in such a way that we enjoy learning while reading the story. His characters (both good and bad) are real people, from a real time. I recommend this and the other two novels of “the Kingsbridge Trilogy”.
Subsequent books in the series are not nearly as good as this one. Based on his imagining the life of the unknown first builder at Wells Cathedral in southern England.
So good I read the complete trilogy!
This a must read for everyone. It is a great historical account. It is a long story which spans over a long period of time.
There was a television series made of this story. The TV version followed the book pretty closely but in no way compared to the wonderful experience of reading the novel.
Fabulous book
Best ever
I loved this work of historical fiction. I did not want to put it down. Well written and entertaining.
Azaming book, worth all the pages, in fact I could put it down. I wanted to travel and discover the cathedrals of the world after I read it