The Pillars of the Earth (Kingsbridge)
#1 New York Times Bestseller
Oprah's Book Club Selection
The “extraordinary . . . monumental masterpiece” (Booklist) that changed the course of Ken Follett’s already phenomenal career—and begins where its prequel, The Evening and the Morning, ended.
“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 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.
Oprah's Book Club Selection
The “extraordinary . . . monumental masterpiece” (Booklist) that changed the course of Ken Follett’s already phenomenal career—and begins where its prequel, The Evening and the Morning, ended.
“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 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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Community Reviews
Ken Follett’s *The Pillars of the Earth* is a brilliantly written epic that brings 12th-century England vividly to life, where ambition, faith, and love intertwine around the creation of a magnificent cathedral. Each character from the steadfast Tom Builder to the resilient Aliena and the determined Prior Philip is developed with depth, complexity, and a sense of real humanity that grows richer as the story unfolds. Follett’s clear, immersive use of language and meticulous detail make the novel not just a tale of stone and mortar, but a timeless tribute to the enduring power of hope, ingenuity, and the human spirit.
This is my favorite book club title so far, without a doubt. It's one of those books that has you so invested that you feel sadness when nearing and reaching the end.
Now, would I do it again? NAAAAAH book was long as hell! But am I happy about the experience? WITHOUT QUESTION!!!
I just love Ken Follett, his ability to take you back in time, putting yourself in the story is tremendous. This book helped understand a lot about our society today and where it came from.
A sweeping historical epic, The Pillars of the Earth is set in 12th-century England and centers around the construction of a cathedral in the fictional town of Kingsbridge. Follett masterfully weaves together the lives of a mason, a noblewoman, a monk, and a ruthless earl, delivering a richly detailed tale of ambition, betrayal, faith, and perseverance.
The book is praised for its vivid characters, intricate plot, and immersive portrayal of medieval life. It's a slow burn with intense payoffs—ideal for fans of historical fiction with a strong emotional core and political intrigue.
Too long, overly graphic sex and violence scenes. Descriptions of cathedral buildings were interesting at first but lost me in the never ending detail.
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