The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett

The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett | Audible.com

Summary

The Pillars of the Earth is an 1898 epic work of historical fiction by Ken Follett. Set in 12th-century England against the backdrop of a tumultuous period known as The Anarchy, this sweeping tale of ambition, love, and the building of a cathedral spans several decades and follows an expansive cast of characters.

The novel centers on the fictional English town of Kingsbridge and the construction of its cathedral, weaving together storylines involving monks, masons, nobles, and peasants as they struggle amid political intrigue and violence. Follett meticulously researched medieval architecture and society to create a richly detailed world, bringing to life the sights, sounds, and hardships of the Middle Ages while exploring timeless issues of faith, power, and perseverance in the face of adversity. Selling millions of copies worldwide, The Pillars of the Earth stands as Follett’s most ambitious and acclaimed work.

Plot

Set in 12th-century England, The Pillars of the Earth follows the construction of a cathedral in the fictional town of Kingsbridge, England. The story begins when a red-headed man is hanged for theft, and his pregnant lover curses those responsible. Years later, master builder Tom Builder and his children become destitute after the death of his wife. He eventually finds work in Kingsbridge, where Prior Philip has ambitious plans to build a grand new cathedral. Meanwhile, civil war erupts between King Stephen and his cousin Maud over the English throne.

The cathedral project faces many obstacles over the decades. William Hamleigh, the cruel new Earl of Shiring, repeatedly attacks Kingsbridge out of greed and spite. Aliena, daughter of the former earl, struggles to support her brother Richard and regain their lost lands. She enters a loveless marriage with Tom's son Alfred, while harboring feelings for Tom's stepson Jack Jackson, a talented stone carver. Jack eventually becomes master builder of the cathedral, incorporating innovative Gothic elements he learned abroad.

Political and religious intrigues threaten the project's completion. The ambitious and corrupt Bishop Waleran Bigod schemes against Prior Philip at every turn. Jack uncovers secrets about his father's death years ago aboard the White Ship. Aliena finally marries Jack after her marriage to Alfred is annulled. Richard fights to reclaim his earldom from William Hamleigh. Through determination and ingenuity, Philip and his allies overcome each new challenge to keep construction moving forward.

Prior Philip: A devout and resourceful monk who becomes prior of Kingsbridge and drives the building of the cathedral. He is intelligent, ambitious, and politically savvy, often outmaneuvering his rivals. Philip struggles to balance his religious ideals with the practical realities of running the priory and overseeing construction. He serves as a moral center for much of the story.
Jack Jackson: The talented and artistic son of Ellen, who becomes a master builder. Jack is creative, curious, and determined to learn. He travels widely to gain architectural knowledge and falls in love with Aliena. Jack's skills and vision are crucial to completing the cathedral.
Aliena: The beautiful daughter of the Earl of Shiring, who loses everything but rebuilds her life as a wool merchant. She is intelligent, resourceful, and fiercely independent. Aliena struggles with trauma from her past while working to restore her family's position. Her relationship with Jack is central to the story.
William Hamleigh: The brutish son of a minor lord who becomes Earl of Shiring. He is cruel, violent, and power-hungry, constantly scheming to increase his wealth and status. William serves as the primary antagonist, repeatedly attacking Kingsbridge and opposing Philip's efforts.
Tom Builder: A skilled stonemason who dreams of building a cathedral. He is hardworking and principled but struggles with poverty. Tom's expertise and vision help launch the cathedral project, though he dies part way through construction.
Ellen: A mysterious woman living in the forest who becomes Tom's lover. She is fiercely protective of her son Jack and distrustful of the church. Ellen possesses knowledge of herbal medicine and is seen as a witch by some.
Bishop Waleran Bigod: An ambitious and corrupt clergyman who constantly schemes for more power. He opposes Philip at every turn and is involved in various conspiracies. Waleran is cunning and ruthless in pursuit of his goals.
Alfred Builder: Tom's son who becomes a mason but is jealous of his stepbrother Jack. He marries Aliena out of spite but is unable to consummate the marriage. Alfred's resentment and poor decisions often create problems.
Richard: Aliena's younger brother who becomes a knight. He is brave but naive, relying on Aliena's support to pursue his military career and reclaim their family's earldom.
Remigius: A monk who opposes Philip becoming prior and continues to undermine him. He is motivated by envy and spite but eventually seeks redemption.
Jonathan: The abandoned son of Tom Builder who is raised by Philip in the monastery. He grows up to be a kind and capable monk, unaware of his true parentage.