The Pillars of the Earth
#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.
BUY THE BOOK
Community Reviews
What Bookclubbers are saying about this book
✨ Summarized by Bookclubs AI
Readers say *The Pillars of the Earth* is a richly detailed historical epic set in 12th-century England, weaving ambition, love, and faith around cath...
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 actually listened to an abridged book on CD version of The Pillars of the Earth and, actually, I'm glad I did. The CDs focused on the plot and people without as much of the detail readers of the book found so hard to muddle through. The CDs still give the reader a good feel for life in Europe in the Middle Ages, the church's influence for good and bad as well as the architecture and building of the great cathedrals.
A phenomenal book of power, greed, injustice. The battle between King and Church, who will win? Where the ordinary men/women/children are pawns being played in a game of chess.
Very long- almost 1000 pages- pretty good- mid evil story of a family who tries to get through life- Tom Builder's family is in search of work, his wife dies during childbirth- he decides to abandon the baby on his mother's grave- a brother of a monk finds the baby and takes it to the monk, Phillip, who raises the child- Tom meets Ellen and takes up with her, They all end up a Kingsbridge- Tom realizes his sone was safe and spent time with him- onlyhe andEllen knew of the relationship- it all comes out in the end to save Phillip from allegations of fornefication.
See why thousands of readers are using Bookclubs to stay connected.