The Pillars of the Earth
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Audible Standard 30-day free trial
Buy for $36.00
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Narrated by:
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John Lee
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By:
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Ken Follett
“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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Critic reviews
Praise for The Pillars of the Earth
"Enormous and brilliant . . . a great epic tale . . . crammed with characters unbelievably alive across the great gulf of centuries . . . touches all human emotion—love and hate, loyalty and treachery, hope and despair. See for yourself. This is truly a novel to get lost in." —Cosmopolitan
"Wonderful . . . will hold you, fascinate you, surround you." —Chicago Sun-Times
"Follett is a master." —The Washington Post
"A towering tale . . . a ripping read. . . . There's murder, arson, treachery, torture, love, and lust." —The New York Daily News
"Ken Follett takes a giant step." —San Francisco Chronicle
"With this book, Follett risks all and comes out a clear winner . . . a historical novel of gripping readability, authentic atmosphere, and memorable characterization. Beginning with a mystery that casts its shadow, the narrative is a seesaw of tension, suspense, impeccable pacing . . . action, intrigue, violence, passion, greed, bravery, dedication, revenge, and love. A love that entertains, instructs, and satisfies on a grand scale." —Publishers Weekly
"An extraordinary epic buttressed by suspense . . . a mystifying puzzle involving the execution of an innocent man . . . the erection of a magnificent cathedral . . . romance, rivalry, and spectacle. A monumental masterpiece . . . a towering triumph from a major talent." —Booklist
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I can't say enough
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There is violence, yes. Life in that period could be very violent. There is one scene that is particularly graphic, but that scene describes a real historical event -- and describes it accurately. There is sex too, so if that bothers you this book is not for you. But if you enjoy history or historical fiction, you'll love this book. And if you're like me, you won't want the book to end.
One more thing: The narrator is absolutely fantastic! Be sure to get the unabridged version if you want the full story with this wonderful narrator!
Loved it!
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Unexpectedly Outstanding
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Take a chance.
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What an amazing trip through a time period (before the Renaissance) little known or understood. Great characters. Great narration. Wonderful details about business. Strong women. One small complaint. I'm not giving anything away (really) but if you hate knowing anything about a plot stop here.A warehouse full of wool in sacks burns. I don't think so. I think wool, filled with lanolin, packed in sacks, would not burn like that. I may be wrong, but that's my suspicion. This book really stays with you. Right now I want to go on a walking trip through the great cathedrals of Europe.Prime Follet
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