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)

Excellent production

I loved John Lee's voice! Great novel and very well recorded. Over 40 hours of entertainment. Really interesting story. I highly recommend it!

Brilliant

One of the best books I've ever listened to. The story was gripping and the narration was excelent. never a dull moment.

You will not regret this purchase.

If you could sum up The Pillars of the Earth in three words, what would they be?

Best one yet

Which character – as performed by John Lee – was your favorite?

Pryor Phillip

Any additional comments?

This seems like a long book - a big investment in time but you will not regret this purchase. I was sorry it ended.
John Lee's performance adds a great deal to the story.

Epic Tale ... Masterful Narrator

I had reservations, going into this listening experience ... I mean, how can the construction of a cathedral consume 41 hours of listening time?! How could it hold one's attention?

Well, Follett brilliantly wove together a magnificent tapestry of plot lines - full of adventure, action, emotions, and peopled with unforgettable characters. All of this unfolds in an authentic and meticulously-researched medieval setting. Despite such rich complexity, Follett's writing is smooth and light-handed throughout.

Then there is John Lee's masterful narration. It's almost lyrical in its pacing, and he flows seamlessly through richly-worded narrative, and between the voices of the numerous characters. Nothing is forced, contrived. Not a word rings untrue.

Simply put, the combination of writer and reader results in a unique listening experience. In fact, I was sorry when the 41 hours came to an end!

Highly recommended.

Read it again

A tremendous treatise on the role of religion in the lives of humankind. The interplay of manly and godly aspirations is insightful. It will raise doubt and or confirm convictions of your spirituality.

One of the best!

Ken Follett's Pillars Of The Earth is one of the best books I've ever read by Follett, or anyone else. With narration done by the excellent John Lee you can't go wrong. This book does not disappoint. Don't hesitate on this one. Take this journey. It will be well worth it.

Magnificent story and research!

A Must be read book!!! Greatfully performed. A great way to learn history and ancient England traditions. Thank you!!

Awesome!

Couldn't stop listening, it held me captivated the whole time. I highly recommend this book, if you're fascinated by cathedral building all the better.

Great story! Immediately engaging!

Would you listen to The Pillars of the Earth again? Why?

I would definitely listen to this book again. The first few paragraphs grabbed me and pulled me into the story. I started to care about the characters and what was happening to them. In my opinion, this is the mark of a great story.

What about John Lee???s performance did you like?

Another thing that a great book into a great audiobook is the narration.... and John Lee's performance is excellent! His portrayal of each character helps me as the reader to visualize them; to give life to the entire story.

Any additional comments?

I definitely recommend this audiobook!

Violent, treacherous, mesmerising

I am a peace loving woman and avoid violent films and books. It was the promise of cathedral building that drew me in. But I was unable to put the book down because I had to know if Goodness won the war even though it seemingly had lost many battles.

The violence is not gratuitous but seems accurate and historical. It even served to bring me to the realization that the violence of today is merely a continued expression of the age old tradition of man's inhumanity to man. It served to toughen me to facts I don't like to face and also to give me hope that non-violence and mercy is and patience is rewarded. I highly recommend this book as inspirational reading.