Product Description

Ken Follett had long been a staple of the bestseller lists for his novels of intrigue and espionage. Then came The Pillars of the Earth, a grand novel of epic storytelling that readers and critics quickly hailed as his crowning achievement. Now, The Pillars of the Earth is available for the first time to a new audience of readers, in this attractive new trade paperback edition.

In 12th-century England, the building of a mighty Gothic cathedral signals the dawn of a new age. This majestic creation will bond clergy and kings, knights and peasants together in a story of toil, faith, ambition and rivalry. A sweeping tale of the turbulent middle ages, The Pillars of the Earth is a masterpiece from one of the world's most popular authors.

"A novel of majesty and power...Will hold you, fascinate you, surround you." --Chicago Sun-Times

"A towering tale...There's murder, arson, treachery, torture, love, and lust...A good time can be had by all." --New York Daily News

"Touches all human emotions...truly a novel to get lost in." --Cosmopolitan

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #374 in Books
• Published on: 2007-11-14
• Released on: 2007-11-14
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 973 pages

From Publishers Weekly
Set in 12th-century England, the narrative concerns the building of a cathedral in the fictional town of Kingsbridge. The ambitions of three men merge, conflict and collide through 40 years of social and political upheaval as internal church politics affect the progress of the cathedral and the fortunes of the protagonists. "Follett has written a novel that entertains, instructs and satisfies on a grand scale," judged PW.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
A radical departure from Follett's novels of international suspense and intrigue, this chronicles the vicissitudes of a prior, his master builder, and their community as they struggle to build a cathedral and protect themselves during the tumultuous 12th century, when the empress Maud and Stephen are fighting for the crown of England after the death of Henry I. The plot is less tightly controlled than those in Follett's contemporary works, and despite the wealth of historical detail, especially concerning architecture and construction, much of the language as well as the psychology of the characters and their relationships remains firmly rooted in the 20th century. This will appeal more to lovers of exciting adventure stories than true devotees of historical fiction. Literary Guild dual main selection.
- Cynthia Johnson Whealler, Cary Memorial Lib., Lexington, Mass.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From AudioFile
Arguably the best work of an author known for spy thrillers, this is historical fiction at its finest. The hope and despair of several people are tightly woven with the enormous task of cathedral construction in medieval England. Narrator John Lee adds vigor to Follett's descriptions of otherwise mundane matters: the graceful arch of a gothic spire, the innovation of using a mill wheel's power to felt wool. Follett's poignant characters blossom with Lee's reading. Lee reveals level-headed Prior Phillip's rare moments of pride as the church construction flourishes, and his anguish in the face of stolen funding. Phillip's nemesis, an ambitious nobleman, is cunning, and his lack of self-confidence is clear in Lee's capable reading. After 41 hours of listening, readers will yearn for more. N.M.C. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Customer Reviews

Superb Story!
Even though the book is extremely lengthy, it manages to sustain interest because there is a lot of drama and suspense involved. The language is not incredible and some parts read like trashy literature. Nevertheless, the story is superb and revolves around the lives of three men (a prior, a bishop and a builder) and how the building of a church in 12th century England, causes so much chaos and upheavals. It also is a witness to the power of the belief in God and how that helps a prior face adversaries in the face of utmost hardships. The most interesting aspect of this historical novel is that it reveals the turmoil that results when political and religious ambitions collide.

Pillars of the Earth - a riveting book
This book will make readers out of non-readers - it has everything from deviousness, piousness, and others twists and turns. It's a great book to share with others when done with it too. Have already ordered the sequel due out in October.

Still the best book I have ever read
I read this book years ago but still has remained very fresh in my mind. Great masterpiece, full of passion, action, middle ages atmosphere, cruel as the times were. Pity there are not so many books like this one. Read recently World without end, also very good but not up to Pillars. If anyone can recommend to me similar type of book as Pillars I would be grateful.