The Pillars of the Earth

Written by Ken Follett

Narrated by John Lee

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 materpiece.

'Enormous and brilliant . . . this mammoth tale seems to touch all human emotion - love and hate, loyalty and treachery, hope and despair. This is truly a novel to get lost in'

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pan Macmillan
• Release date: Jan 30, 2014
• ISBN: 9781447271680

Ken Follett

Ken Follett was born in Cardiff, Wales. Barred from watching films and television by his parents, he developed an early interest in reading thanks to a local library. After studying philosophy at University College London, he became involved in centre-left politics, entering into journalism soon after. His first thriller, the wartime spy drama Eye of the Needle, became an international bestseller and has sold over 10 million copies. He then astonished everyone with his first historical novel, The Pillars of the Earth, the story of the building of a medieval cathedral, which went on to become one of the most beloved books of the twentieth century. One of the most popular authors in the world, his many books including the Kingsbridge series and the Century trilogy - a body of work which together chronicles over a thousand years of history - and his latest novel Never - which envisages how World War III could happen - have sold more than 188 million copies. A father and husband, Ken lives with his wife in England and enjoys travelling the world when he can.

Reviews for The Pillars of the Earth

[Lynn Anne · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

*deep exhale*

This book asks a lot from the reader, but it's all worth it because it gives so much more.
It discusses the convoluted relationship between the Catholic church and the Monarch but as a fictional tale set in 11th century England. This is a story of greed, politics, passion, lust, corruption, religion, loyalty and treachery. And to think all the events of this story stem from a single man's pride and lust is insane.
The characterization and story development is a work of wonder. This book deserves nothing less than 5 stars. It can get a little slow because everything, and I mean every single thing is detailed, but I promise it's worth sticking out to the end.
Now please beware that this book depicts gruesome and very detailed scenes of rape, violence and murder so please check trigger warnings.

I'm simply in awe. This book is that GOOD! It's 973 pages of thrill and fear and awe. The gruesome parts are really gruesome and the tender moments are extremely tender.
You truly get engulfed in this story! Just like the Kingsbridge cathedral, this is a MASTERPIECE.

[Candy Engel · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book! It gripped my attention from the first page. I could not stop reading. This audio allowed me to still listen while I drive, cooked and folded laundry!
Brilliantly written. Ken Follet is a master storyteller. And the audio was a fabulous rendition.

[Bo · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wow. This was really good. Such a gripping story. I enjoyed all 40 hours of it. It was compelling from the start. I'm definitely going to listen to the next books in the series as well.
Very good narrator as well.

[Talloolah Moon · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

An epic, not just an enjoyed novel. Much passion and love were put into it.