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.

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992 pages

Average rating: 8.34

200 RATINGS

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22 REVIEWS

Community Reviews

ShirlRi
Jan 22, 2025
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.
mmarco2121
Dec 26, 2024
10/10 stars
Great book!
Anonymous
Dec 12, 2024
8/10 stars
Exquisitely written but I hated this book so much for its graphic brutality against women. It haunts me still years later.
Athenaoceana
Dec 11, 2024
9/10 stars
My first historical fiction book. Led me to a genre I adore.
Anonymous
Nov 29, 2024
10/10 stars
This book will go down as one of my All-Time Favorites. I don't imagine that there is another book out there quite like this one. Highly recommend to any lover of great fiction.

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