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
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.
Exquisitely written but I hated this book so much for its graphic brutality against women. It haunts me still years later.
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