#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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A timeless best seller, Pillars of the Earth tells a captivating tale of love and misfortune of a wide array of characters, scapping commonplaces by twisting the fates of heroes and villains. By describing ordinary details Foller helps the reader travel in time. Definitely recommended.
Follett researches well and spins remarkable tales.
I loved this book. It really made the world at the point between Romanesque and Gothic architecture, culture and religion come alive. I recommended this book to my Art History students.
This is the best book I have ever read.
Historical fiction at its best.
The Pillars of the Earth is a great read. It transports you to the past and into a world far different from life in the 21st century. Makes you appreciate how difficult life must have been.
The narrative if captivating. The characters are engaging. And the story is enthralling.
Read this book!
Excellent series. Very informative.
My all time favorite book
Fascinating; one of the best books I’ve ever read.
Love all of Ken Follet books
Classic story telling by Follet. The story sucks you in and compels you to keep persuing the story,
This book grabbed me in the first five pages. Not normally attracted to the time period but Follett brings you back and the story just kind of folds you in. Excellent characters, well developed plot, moves right along with the story. I absolutely LOVED this book. The only disappointment to this one is that I reached the last word on the last page. Ten stars. Highest possible recommendation.
Book grabs you with interesting story line. Descriptive writing makes you feel you are there. Very much enjoyed and recommend
Very good character development with well researched background, beyond entertaining. Brilliantly written.
I count this among the best books I’ve read this year!
What can you say about Ken Follett! I read every word and when I am done I go back and start over. I learn something new everytime I read it. The characters are so well written that you feel as if you know them.
One of the best 3 books I’ve ever read.
Not really what I expected, but I don’t know what I was expecting. I found it very readable…and interested in reading more from this series. It’s kind of an epic, tragic, old world tale. Well formed characters.
Everyone who has ever seen a European cathedral, particularly those in Great Britain, needs to read this wonderful book to gain an even further appreciation of the great buildings and the human dedication to them.
Very happy there was a sequel ; one of those books that I was sorry to be finishing.