Notre-Dame

A Short History of the Meaning of Cathedrals

By: Ken Follett

Narrated by: Ken Follett

“The wonderful cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris, one of the greatest achievements of European civilization, was on fire. The sight dazed and disturbed us profoundly. I was on the edge of tears. Something priceless was dying in front of our eyes. The feeling was bewildering, as if the earth was shaking.” —Ken Follett

“[A] treasure of a book.” —The New Yorker

In this short, spellbinding book, international bestselling author Ken Follett describes the emotions that gripped him when he learned about the fire that threatened to destroy one of the greatest cathedrals in the world—the Notre-Dame de Paris. Follett then tells the story of the cathedral, from its construction to the role it has played across time and history, and he reveals the influence that the Notre-Dame had upon cathedrals around the world and on the writing of one of Follett's most famous and beloved novels, The Pillars of the Earth.

Ken Follett will donate his proceeds from this book to the charity La Fondation du Patrimoine.

Critic reviews

Praise for Notre-Dame

“Follett knows a thing or two about medieval cathedrals, having structured his Kingsbridge series around the building of one such architectural wonder . . . Fans of Follett and cathedrals alike will enjoy his exploration of the great Parisian edifice—and will want more.”
—Kirkus (starred review)

Historical facts

I would have liked to learn even more
This was shorter than I usually read

A Fabulous and factual history of this magnificent cathedral.

As a confirmed Francophile, this detailed historical perspective was informed, factual and entertaining. I remember dining at La Tour d’Argent in the 1964 and marveling at the flying buttresses of Norte Dame visible from my window perch. This Ken Follett book has made that vision all the more poignant. Many thanks for reinforcing that magical memory of my first visit to La Belle France!

History and importance of Notre Dame.

KEN Follett wrote a beautiful history of Cathedrals and Notre-Dame in particular. As someone who loves history, this spoke to me! It also reminded me of being Notre-Dame with my parents and my brother (and a friend who was like a brother!) in 1987. Amazing memories, but also sparked my love of Cathedrals!! While I was living in England in 1990-1991, I spent many hours in the cathedrals, but in particular the Durham Cathedral. I connected spiritually with it, and historically too! This short Novella reminded me of all that connects my heart to those awesome and beautifully crafted buildings!
Thank you Mr. Follett for this reminder!

Notre Dame visited

I was lucky enough to have visited `Notre Dame before it burned and find this very interesting thanknyou.

Nice brief history of Notre Dame

I liked that the author read the work! He clearly loves Notre Dame and invites the listener to love her too!