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)

Amazing writing!

A very long story that never lags. So many story lines circling into an unexpected ending. Well done and we’ll worth the read (or listen as the case may be)!

So glad I chose this book.

What an epic story - history, architecture, romance and adventure - it has everything. The story is well laid out with interesting detailed glimpses into life in medieval England.
John Lee’s reading was exceptional. Highly recommend.

What a story

A great story with great characters. The narrator once again gives a fantastic performance. Warning - lots of rape, however.

A real masterpiece-

I absolutely loved this astonishing work, the depth of characters, the intricacies and unexpected twists and turns of the plot, and the detailed description of this period in time …. I felt transported to another time and space. The descriptions of events was incredibly vivid, and I felt a kinship with the characters.
I was consumed by the story and looked forward constantly to delving back into the book.
I dreaded the ending as I didn’t want it to end ! On to his next work ! What a genius !

Good story, detailed sex and violence though.

This is a good story that is historically accurate during a time of great turmoil in Great Britain with fictional characters. The author goes into detail about the building of cathedrals and the hierarchy of the catholic religion. The reading is well done, but it is not for those who are sensitive to violent sex. not for young adults

All time favorite

This will be my third reading of this book over the past 3 decades. The narrator does a great job and added to the story. For the third time I really hated that it was over.

I loved this story!

There was probably more detail about cathedral building than I ever cared to know, but I was never bored. It had lots of twists and turns, truly evil villains and beloved characters. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

It doesn't get better than this.

I love really good historical fiction. It doesn't get better than this. I've read quite a few of Ken Follet's other books but this is by far his best in my humble opinion. I've listened to it probably five times in the last 25 years and just finished it again. If you haven't indulged yet do give it a try. It may become for you, as it has for me, a treat to savor over and over again.

Another great Ken Follett novel

Can’t wait for his next book about Kingsbridge. I have listened to all 4 and will definitely we wait for the next

Amazing!

Second time reading it!! Still getting immersed! I just couldn’t put it down! The intrigue; the dram, war, everything you want in a solid book’