The Pillars of the Earth

By: Ken Follett

Narrated by: John Lee

Length: 40 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

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 12th century England, this is Ken Follett's historical masterpiece.

©1989 Ken Follett (P)2007 Penguin Audio, a member of Penguin Group (USA), Inc.

Critic reviews

"Follett is a master." (The Washington Post)

"A historical novel of gripping readability, authentic atmosphere and detail and memorable characterization." (Publishers Weekly)

No doubt a classic! It is the BEST of the BEST!

It's hard to convince someone who has never read this book to read it by looking at the cover or reading what it's about because it sounds like it's about churches and religion. but It is not. In the foreword the author explains how this book came to be. Without a single objection, every person I've recommended this book to has not only loved it, but put it in their top ten also. The way the author transitions from the story of one character to the other is brilliant. Each character touches the other and the story is handed off in a brief encounter of the characters and then back again. Although the book is a long listen, it does not drag. there's no gratuitous traveling through the forest for 3 chapters just to fill pages. The story goes through several decades, but just as you don't have to listen to every monotonous detail, you also don't feel like you missed something important when the story picks up several years later. Any time I'm in a conversation about books/reading, this is the book I recommend...just as it was recommended to me....and just how the author explains in the foreword, that's how this book eventually sky rocketed after being ignored the first few years after he wrote it. This IS a "word of mouth book". Chances are if you've read it, it was because someone told you it was their all time favorite. All ages and backgrounds will love it. You absolutely do not have to be religious!

Best book ever??

Wow, this is a really long story! It was very interesting learning about the evolution of cathedral building and following the characters through several generations. But, I can't say I think this is the best book I have ever read or listened to. To me, it was another well written, interesting 4 star book.

The author actually made me cheer for the Hero

I would have never thought a novel about a monk and a church could be so engaging. I usually prefer action and adventure or even science fiction, but this one puts you in the book as a bystander. Very compelling writer. I think no matter who you are, you will love this!

Outstanding!

This was one of the most enjoyable reads I've ever experienced, the author added so much to the book with his accent and manner. I was sorry to see it end!!

This is a great book! Buy it!

Absolutely one of my all time favorites. There is no way for me to do this book justice in a review but I will try. I look and look for something that sounds interesting when perusing Audible. Most of the time, mysteries and thrillers catch my attention with the description that pops up when you scroll over the cover photo. The thought of hearing about a stone mason and his life did not set me on fire but Ken Follett had written "A Dangerous Fortune" which is in my top ten books of all time list so I gave this book a chance. I have listened and read so many books that sometimes I am in chapter three or four before I realize that it sounds familiar because I have already read it. Most books are this way to me, entertaining but not memorable. A few books stand out as examples of great stories that you remember for years. This is one of them.The other day I was talking with a coworker and somehow this book came up. Although it had been a long time since either of us read the book, we had an excited conversation about the story and our favorite characters. Sounds nerdy I know but the book is just that good. The writing is simple and easy to follow. The author isn't constantly showing off how well to use a thesaurus. The characters are your friends. I never tell the story line like some reviewers. I think that revealing what is to come diminishes the story. Don't let that throw you. This book is great! The story is great! It takes a little while to get into but give it one hour and you will keep listening until late in the night on a workday. This book is long but I promise that by the time your done you will wish there was more!. There is another great book that follows "World Without End" but this one is the best of the two by a little bit. Enjoy this book and have a great day.

A pleasant time machine

I’m maybe too pessimistic, since the happy endings for the principal characters was a bit galling to me. On the other hand, it is a well researched and well written book, providing a window into the world of Medieval England, France, and Spain.

Wonderful but predictable

The story is a really absolutely wonderful story.
The only reason I didn’t give 5 stars is because it becomes just a bit predictable and at times, anti-climatic.

FANTASTIC.

This is the best book I’ve ever read. The narration was perfect for the tone and timeframe. Just phenomenal!

Intense

Lots of explicit graphic descriptions of sex and rape.
Loved the characters. Hated some. Draws you in deeply. High highs and low lows. I enjoy the performance a lot. Love John Lees accents.

The perspective of the builders of the times gives an extraordinary perspective, and it feels like you’re living in these times as you imagine the practical means by which ordinary people lived. I love the theological perspective of prior Phillip as well. This book felt close to my heart.

Historical masterpiece

I hope John Lee reads every ken follett book!!!
This is the second time reading/listening to this series and am never disappointed!!! Very well written and wld read again!!!