#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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Remains an all time favorite
I read this book in preparation for a trip that I was going to take to England to sing with a choir in three different cathedrals. It was a captivating story as well as informative. I thoroughly enjoy books by Ken Follett.
This book is definitely in my top 10 favourite books of all time. Loved it!
The best book, by far, that I’ve ever read and Ken Filled is awesome,,, Read them all!!
Best book.
Picked up this book at a bed and breakfast while on a couple days getaway. Could not put it down! Had to find it at the local library when I returned home to finish. Absolutely gripping!
Great read; it immerses you in the Middle Ages and the world of cathedrals via well drawn characters and intriguing action.
A wonderful story relating the details concerning the building of one of the great cathedrals built in Europe centuries ago and the people involved.@000002772
This is a great read. Plot different from any other book I’ve read and I really liked that. A big book but so easy to read that you’re finished before you know it, and that’s too bad.
My favorite book ever. So didn’t want to set it down. Love the story, the characters, and every twist and turn. It is in line to be read again.
Great story; extremely well written.
Another Ken Follett that gives the reader a sense of the time.
Fantastic historical novel!
This is a classic can’t-put-it-down book. I literally kept reading while doing necessary chores like making dinner. The characters and plot twists draw you in and keep you engaged. As a bonus, I have learned more about history from authors like Ken Follett and James Michener than I did in my high school classes.
As everyone knows, PILLARS OF THE EARTH is a huge novel that takes place in England over a 50-year period from about 1121 to 1172. The novel begins and ends in violence: It begins with the hanging of a mysterious young man who sings a chanson before they string him up. It ends with the hanging of a thoroughly evil and despicable character, as if the author is telling us that this hanging atones for the first one. At the end, as a coda, one of the main characters punishes the King of England for his part in the murder of Thomas à Becket.
Ken Follett is a masterly writer, and the way he introduces each of the main characters makes the reader want to know more. ELLEN is the woman with striking eyes who curses the people responsible for the hanging of the young man in the prologue. PRIOR PHILIP is shown neatly outmaneuvering an opponent. TOM BUILDER carefully builds a house, and stands up for his rights when challenged by his lord and master. WILLIAM HAMLEIGH arrogantly rides his enormous warhorse into a building site, and nearly kills a seven-year-old girl. Sixteen-year-old ALIENA impetuously informs her suitor that she will never marry him, because all he does is talk about “his dogs, his horses and himself”.
I wasn’t expecting to find so much violence in the novel, so much murdering, pillaging, and raping. But it didn’t seem gratuitous. Anyone who has a feel for the history of the time, knows that the 1100s in England was a very stormy time, when the country was foundering in a civil war that went on for nineteen years. Needless to say, law and order broke down completely.
But you should not let the violence put you off. Follett has written a masterpiece, with vivid characters, and plot twists and turns that will make you stay up late into the night, (or nurse your insomnia at 5 am), and keep you entertained until the end. Five stars. #kenfollett #pillarsoftheearth #1100sengland
While listed as a fiction novel, so much of the story was based on real life and events. Ken Follett has a writing style that draws the reader in with so many details of everyday life many centuries ago. The sequels to this book are just as mesmerizing!
If you truly enjoy historical fiction, like I do, you have to invest in yourself with the master, Ken Follett
So well researched, a page-turner of a book. I’m all in!
A lot of the plot hinges on violence against women and girls.
One of the best books I’ve ever read!