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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 (35,177 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)

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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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    26,622
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  • 3 Stars
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Story
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  • 2 Stars
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Literary Home Run Mr. Follet

As I listened to the story unfold of Kingsbridge, I was struck by how familiar it sounded. Well, then I realized it had been made into a TV series, ( which I fully intend to revisit) and no wonder why! I is a very compelling story and masterfully told, using ancient history and elements of the Robin Hood mythologies. I highly recommend the book as well as the narrator, who did a marvelous job and magnified an already great book.

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

Fun and interesting historical fiction

I really enjoyed this book! The other is that a really nice job immersing you in the building of a cathedral during the middle ages. If you have an interest in people from that time or just want a good length I read I suggest you get this book!

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

Brutal reality

Life was very difficult in medieval times and this book illustrates how brutal it really was. The main character in beging was forced to make a brutal choice and I almost stopped reading after that. I'm glad I'm continue to the story was great.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Loved It

Definitely worth your time listening to a real classic. Truly entertaining.
Reader was engageing and easily understood. I can't believe how Follett made a monk such a facenating character.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Great Read

Would you consider the audio edition of The Pillars of the Earth to be better than the print version?

Not what I usually read but kept you so involved it was so hard to put it down.

What did you like best about this story?

History and characters.

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

Excellent!

What made the experience of listening to The Pillars of the Earth the most enjoyable?

After reading all the reviews I had to try it and was not disappointed. Wonderful book all around, the narration is perfect.

Any additional comments?

The story flows well and makes for a short read even though the book is many hours long. I will definitely be reading the sequel!!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Best book I ever listened to - no boring moments

I am now a huge Ken Follett fan. I listened to his two books in the 20th century triology, and they were awesome. But Pillars is the best ever. I am now listening the second book. Pillar is the best book ever. Follett makes you really feel that you are back in the 12th century.

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

Great story and performance by Mr. Lee

Love, hate, war, and revenge, sprinkled with mercy. Mr. Lee is the best story teller I have ever come across this far.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

I couldnt stop listening

This is the most intense book I have read in a long time. I couldnt stop listening. Its set in one of my favorite time periods when men were innovative, creative and eager to get anything at risky costs. I loved the gentle characters, I despised the horrible ones and felt awful for the underdogs. After all the listening hours I was sad to get to the end. Part two please.

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

best epic book ever

Superb story , captivating characters, perfect narration. Best book i've listened to so far. Made me a devout follower of Ken Follett.

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