• The Pillars of the Earth

  • By: Ken Follett
  • Narrated by: John Lee
  • Length: 40 hrs and 56 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (34,755 ratings)

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The Pillars of the Earth  By  cover art

The Pillars of the Earth

By: Ken Follett
Narrated by: John Lee
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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)

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What listeners say about The Pillars of the Earth

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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    26,278
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    5,904
  • 3 Stars
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Story
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  • 4 Stars
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  • 3 Stars
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  • 2 Stars
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  • 1 Stars
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

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

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    5 out of 5 stars
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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.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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’

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Do yourself a favor… read this epic book

Without doubt, I will listen to this story again! It has to be better every time! Immediately adding to my Vudú collection for viewing. So much to unpack. Loved it.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
  • JB
  • 02-13-23

excellent

i never give 5 but this was great. great story, great narration, overall excellent. learned a lot.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Truly amazing

This book is one of the best written novels I’ve listened to. No stone is unturned in covering all of the interesting characters. It gives a very detailed inside view of the many challenges of life and love during this time in history.

I highly recommend.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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A truly great read!

I enjoyed the Historical background in which the characters find themselves. It gives a great feel for the struggle people go through in every day life.

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