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)

Addictive

I could not put it down, could not stop. I listened driving to work ... then sat for another half hour in the parking lot, just to hear a little more. I took a book and some necessary work with me on a trip, and ended up just listening to this book on my iPod. I sought opportunities to drive from place to place, so I could listen to this audiobook. I lost track of the news. I forgot where I was.....

The characters are memorable and terrifically developed. The setting and relationships between them are historically credible. The story flows seamlessly across the characters and the timeline. And, as you listen to a fabulous yarn, you are learning something about life in England during this period, the relationships between the classes at the time, how people advanced in their respective professions (or positions), how buildings were constructed, and how ideas flowed from place to place at the time.

Fabulous. A tour de force. I was sorry it ended ... and went out and got his next book.

I wish it hadn't ended.

This marvel of character development, interwoven plot lines and beautiful narration is my favorite audible purchase to date. I found myself grabbing my iPod every chance I could to hear more about Philip and Tom Builder and the rest of Follett's fabulous creations.

Very Enjoyable Listen

What a gem. Never enjoyed historical novels before, but that was because they were not done so well as Follett's seamless telling of 12th century life with endearing characters who you quickly learn to know and love--or hate and despise. You feel like you know what living in the 12th century would be like, and it enriches the story. Follett's love of cathedral building permeates a story which has tragedies but is very fulfilling. The narration was impeccably English. Enjoy.

It could have been shorter

The tale was interesting but it could have been about 3 books rather than one as it spanned multiple generations. Some events are way over dramatized and detailed at great length, but when the main character in more than half of the book dies it's like OK he's dead, let's move on. I found this a bit distracting. An interesting study of cathedral architecture and the pre-Renaissance era.

Outstanding

The author does an outstanding job of developing the characters and the story line. When I had to stop listening I already couldn't wait to start listening again. There are some parts that can make an empathetic person a little squeamish but I can imagine that these parts were something that could really happen in that time period. It is so easy to identify with the characters and their situations and that's what made the book so good for me. I'm almost certain you won't be sorry you listened to this.

Fabulous!!!

This book is fabulous. The character development and story line captured my interest from the beginning and held throughout this book. Follett is gifted and creating vivid images of a time long past, and narrator adds significantly to the story. Highly recommend this book!

Exquisitely narrated by John Lee.

“In both cases, weakness and scruples had defeated strength and ruthlessness.” ~Ken Follett

There is just so much story here... masterfully linked over a long period of time and many, many pages, weaving an intricate and epic journey of several very fascinating lives. Wow... Even with the bits of severe violence, language and gory details and despite a particularly disturbing and graphic rape scene that was nearly too much to take, there is no denying THE PILLARS OF THE EARTH is an impressive read.

Great listen

I enjoyed both the story line and the narrator. I would highly recommend this audio book.

A DEFINITE FAVORITE

I so enjoyed this book I quickly purchased Ken Follett's World With End. While the book is long, the details keep it interesting and make the listening time fly by. The historical details and character development make for a great learning and enjoyable experience.

The Pillars of the Earth

This is one of the best books I have ever listen too. I was very impressed and I recommend it. I thought it was going to be to long but in the end I was sorry it was over. Great Book!