#1 New York Times BestsellerIn 1989, Ken Follett astonished the literary world with The Pillars of the Earth, a sweeping epic novel set in twelfth-century England centered on the building of a cathedral and many of the hundreds of lives it affected. World Without End is its equally irresistible sequel—set two hundred years after The Pillars of the Earth and three hundred years after the … of the Earth and three hundred years after the Kingsbridge prequel, The Evening and the Morning.
World Without End takes place in the same town of Kingsbridge, two centuries after the townspeople finished building the exquisite Gothic cathedral that was at the heart of The Pillars of the Earth. The cathedral and the priory are again at the center of a web of love and hate, greed and pride, ambition and revenge, but this sequel stands on its own. This time the men and women of an extraordinary cast of characters find themselves at a crossroads of new ideas—about medicine, commerce, architecture, and justice. In a world where proponents of the old ways fiercely battle those with progressive minds, the intrigue and tension quickly reach a boiling point against the devastating backdrop of the greatest natural disaster ever to strike the human race—the Black Death.
Three years in the writing and nearly eighteen years since its predecessor, World Without End is a “well-researched, beautifully detailed portrait of the late Middle Ages” (The Washington Post) that once again shows that Ken Follett is a masterful author writing at the top of his craft.
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Love this 2nd in the series and cannot wait for the 3rd, due in September
It is an historical novel, emphasis on novel. Follett takes liberties with history, to present what he clearly finds a more entertaining and dramatic story. Had the novel been closer to historical accuracy, I think the story might have been more compelling.
Wonderful series by an excellent author.
This sequel to Pillars of the Earth gives a fascinating account of the bubonic plague while bringing the love story begun in the former novel to a satisfying conclusion.
Pillars of the Earth is one of my all-time favorite books, so had to read the sequel. It did not disappoint.
I greatly enjoy this author. I have read all the books in this series – yes they are long but hold your attention with well developed characters and great story lines.
The type of book that sweeps you away into the book’s reality
Could hardly put down, awaiting 3rd book in series! Deep dive research and careful retelling made this interesting. Brilliantly written.
Both PILLARS OF THE EARTH and WORLD WITHOUT END are absolutely great. They are both made for TV movies, also excellent. A must see a must read.
Definitely in the top 10 best books ever written.
I really like all of Ken Follet’s books, but I think Pillars of the Earth is terrific! And the sequel, World Without End is very good also. I love his characters, good or bad.; they’re all entertaining. He really puts their life in these books, and you end up feeling you really know these people. It is always with regret that I turn the last page. I find myself re-reading a lot of books that I liked so well. Pillars and World are just two of them
Any book by Follett is worth reading.
Not even close to the 1st book, “Pillars of the Earth”. One of my all-time favorites.
After reading this book I became a true Follet fan. I have read several of his books and everyone unique, exciting, great historical ficture
Great read, one of my favorite authors.
Loved the book from beginning to end.
A good sequel
Follow up to Pillers of the earth, great story line, lots of history, very compelling
As good as his , “Pillars” book
Ken Folletts very best. A potent story of life in 14th century England during the devastating “Black Death.” If you like historical fiction you will love this book. It has everything.
One of best books I’ve read ever!