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)

Pillars of the earth

Fantastic,
Can't understand anyone not enjoying this book.
Looking forward to the next one.
My first Ken Follett book, but not my last.

Historical Fiction at its Best!

I love a beautifully written book with developed characters that winds its way through history and this one does it! This was an era that was glossed over very quickly in high school history lessons but one I've enjoyed learning about so much. Ken Follet does a lovely job of combining both a great story and history. I found myself sitting in the driveway listening intently more than once!

Brilliant story

I was skeptical at first because of the Oprah hype but after an hour of listening I was hooked! The narrators voice is pleasing to the ear as he spins this wonderful tale of love, deception, triumph and failure. Prepare yourself for the twists and turns.

An Epic Journey

I read this book in hardcover a long time ago and forgot most of it. For me, the most memorable character had been Tom the Builder (at least that was the character I remembered most). I also have a fascination with European cathedral design.

Listening to this book after all these years was pretty much like starting at the beginning. I enjoyed the terrific characterizations and the story lines that sometimes took decades to come to resolution.

My only qualm with the story was the final concluding resolution between Jack and Waleran. It was not believable considering Waleran's long history.

I strongly recommend this as an escape, although I got so involved with the characters that when bad things happened, I got depressed. :-(.

I am a Follett fan and this is very different from his thrillers. Take a week, disappear, and listen.

I did not want the story to end! WOW!!

This was one of the best pieces of historical fiction I have ever "read"! Rich, textural writing style. I felt as though I were a voyeur.. right there..watching...experiencing all. 46 hours flew by and I wanted more! For those off-put by the rape scenes, understand the middle ages were like that. Rape, brutality, treachery, starvation, all a part of history. Follett had to describe those scenes in detail for you to experience the brutality of William... Just as he described, with such depth, the love and tenderness of Jack.... the self-doubts of Prior Philip, etc. The range of emotions experienced while listening to this story would be cheated if Follett were to censure his writing style to accommodate the squeamish. I highly recommend this book and can't wait to download the sequel! Thanks, Ken!!!

Epic

This is one of those epics that passes through generations of a family surrounding a building. Even though it crosses through multiple families, the story is a good one and I was sorry to get to the end.

Absolutely Wonderful

This is my first audio book of this size and although long... I found myself listening at all hours of the day! You'll notice that Follett likes to repeat himself, refreshing your memory which I found at some times frustrating. Regardless, this is a fantastic novel and I recommend it to everyone!

Absolutely fabulous

Within the first 10 minutes, I became completely engrossed in the story. I had to read it for book club so I may not have chosen this on my own, but I am thoroughly enjoying every minute of it.

JT

This novel takes us back to a time when time was timeless and The Church affected and effected everyone's lives. The absolute authority of the clergy and the land lords is made real in this novel. 21st Century life looks great compared to life in the "dark ages".

The Best Book EVER!

Wow! This was amazingly good. Normally, I listen as I do jobs around the house or in the car but with this book, I couldn't stop listening. It was so good I couldn't wait to get his next book "World without end" and have already finished that one. I have no idea what to listen to next. I couldn't wait to finish these books but now that they are over, I'm sad.