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  • The Pillars of the Earth

  • By: Ken Follett
  • Narrated by: John Lee
  • Length: 40 hrs and 56 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (35,178 ratings)

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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)

Featured Article: The Best Historical Fiction Audiobooks


Often based on real people, events, and scenarios, historical fiction gives us the opportunity to learn about worlds and times we will never experience while introducing fascinating characters and stories set in their midst. Sometimes, the genre can even give us a peek into hidden storylines that routinely go unmentioned in traditional history books, showing us that those of ages past are perhaps not so different from ourselves.

What listeners say about The Pillars of the Earth

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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    26,623
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    5,949
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Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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  • 3 Stars
    1,048
  • 2 Stars
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  • 1 Stars
    296

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Classic

Classic book with a great forward. Interesting story that examines life in medieval England around the building of a cathedral. Alot more sex in it then I remember and sexual assault. It is worth a listen though for sure.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Great voice

I've read the book many times over the years. I was really impressed with the audio version, his reading made it even better.

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It’s worth your time!

Excellent story weaving history throughout and John Lee’s narration is so enjoyable with all the characters he plays. Highly recommend it!

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Magnificent

The best audiobook I have ever heard. Definitely, one of the best novels ever written.

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

Follett is a Master Storyteller

This was my first book by Ken Follett and I was blown away He’s a wonderfully riveting storyteller that had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. My only reservations about this book was the sexual content went into too much detail for me as well as a very intense rape scene.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Love it

Stunning to return to Kingsbridge...i just love that area. can't wait to go back.......awesome. the best story ever told

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Pure escapism

I read Pillars in 1989 and loved the book so much I’ve read or listened to all four cathedral novels. John Lee is an amazing narrator and brings the entire novel to life. This is definitely a lifetime must read or listen to book.

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    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent narrator. 6 stars. The story is a wild.

if you like historical fiction you cant go wrong with this. it's like a non-fantasy game of thrones.

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Storytelling at it's Fines

Historical fiction that brings the age to life. Worth listening to time and time again.

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Excellent story but….

I loved the story but I found in in-depth descriptions of cruelty and sexual situations took away something from the book. I’m no prude and it was just that it was a jarring juxtaposition between those parts and the rest of the story.
Overall, I highly recommend this book though.

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