#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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Love Ken Follett! This is my most favorite book . Great plot, interesting characters, and the detail of the era is interesting
One of the best books I’ve ever read. Great Author!
One of my all time favorites.
Such an excellent storyteller! Was a book club selection and at first look thought this was something that I would not be interested in. So wrong. One of those books that stays with you and would read anything written by Mr Follett. Don’t stop with this one. Continue on with World Without End.
Interesting
Pacing not as intriguing as his other books NOT in Kingsbridge series.
This book looks at the lives and motivations of people touched by the building of a cathedral: peasants, priests, merchants, kings.
Very long, drawn out second half of book.
One of the best fiction histories of the Middle Ages.
Enthralling multi-generational centuries-spanning saga of the building of a cathedral… While that may sound dull or dry, it is anything but. The characters, their lives, their intrigues, their loves and losses are all wholly believable and compelling. And the building of the cathedral, which most will not live to see finished, is the thread that binds their pasts and their futures, even as its seemingly endless construction drives their here and now. Great read!
This is one of my favorite books of all time. I’ve read, reread, and searched for more books by Ken Follett. I recommend his books to anyone who wants a good story.
One of the best books I have ever listened to. He is a master of his craft.
You become involved with the characters and care about their lives. You want the good guys to succeed and the bad guys to be punished
It was an aspect of history that I’d never thought about but it was still interesting to read despite the thickness of the book.
I’ve now read it twice. The master of a different genre proves beyond a doubt that he is a master researcher and story teller.
For someone who does not like Follet’s style, I always find the stories to be interesting enough to win me over.
I have had at least 2 hardback copies of this book, both of which I read until they literally fell apart. So yeah, it’s safe to say I liked the book! Anytime that happens with a hardback, it’s a pretty safe bet it’s a really good book.
Excellent book. Part of a trilogy so read the entire trilogy!
One of the best books I’ve read.
This book describes the decades-long building of a cathedral through the lives of those involved. I read this years ago and still remember some of the characters vividly. It takes you back to the Middle Ages and an entirely different world, but characters that are believable and that you come to care about. The book moves quickly (remember, Ken Follett started as a thriller writer – Eye of the needle) with great pacing. He is a great writer and if you are looking for a long, engrossing read, please try this book.