#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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Great book of historical fiction
The Pillars of the Earth is an epic novel spanning several generations. Set in England during the 1100s, it has all the elements of a medieval saga – heros, villians, knights, witches, kings, bishops, monks. Greatly appreciated by this reader was the fact that nearly all the women in this story were depicted as strong, capable, and intelligent – not a damsel in distress among them.
The story centers around a man who’s greatest ambition is to build a cathedral and the prior of a monastery who wants it built. Together they must overcome the excessively ambitious and cunning bishop and a sadistic earl who attempt to thwart them at every turn.
The story is filled with fascinating, complex characters, some extremely likeable and some the reader will love to hate. All of them are well fleshed out making them feel real. Follett’s historical backdrop seems flawless. The world the characters inhabit comes to life, immersing the reader in its sights, sounds, tastes, and smells. It is a book to get lost in, for certain.
As per usual Ken Follett, has done a beautiful job of bringing history together with fiction and producing a story that is more than worth the time it takes to read. The characters are realistic and the history of the period is very descriptive and informative.
Fabulous book! Extremely well written and thorough. A must read!
One of my all-time favorites.
First in the series – recommend it highly.
This book is a classic. Ken Follett at his best. A very in-depth look at early English society in the period of the cathedral builders with a great story. This book led me to purchase many more of Follett’s books. This one is still the best!!
great historical fiction.
Epic historical novel
What a great story woven in history. Characters were believable and interesting.
Just superb. Fantastic character’s which you follow over an extended period of time. Set around a cathedral one of the character’s is helping to build, his brother who is fighting in France, and the women in there lives. It complex, harrowing, and rewarding to read.
My favorite book of all time!
I read this book many years ago, when it was first released, and the story and characters have stayed with me ever since. I later had the opportunity to tour some European cathedrals and churches built during the time of the novel’s setting (tho not English ones), and having Read Pillars of the Earth, was even more amazed at And appreciative of the construction and skill represented. Now anxious to read the novel’s prequel!.
Excellent book, great characters and storyline. Somewhat wordy at time.
Your going to love this book
one of my favorites
Hard to put down great storyline.
An epic historic novel of a family and the building of the old cathedrals in Europe.A long but great book.
What a writer! You are instantly placed in Medieval times and live every second with these people. You can smell what they smell and taste the food it’s so real. The story is fascinating and you never know what is coming next-you just figure it probably can’t be good what with death being a close companion in those times!
Hard to get in to, but worth it.