Notre-Dame

A Short History of the Meaning of Cathedrals

By: Ken Follett

Narrated by: Ken Follett

Length: 1 hr and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

"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 best-selling 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.

©2019 Ken Follett (P)2019 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"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)

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!

I met Mr Follett in Detroit-

The event was the Detroit Boat Races; I was given an autographed copy of "PILLARS." Once started, I couldn't put the book down-- more than captivating; his written works are simply amazing. Thank you, Ken

Short, but Educational

Ken Follett is one of my favorite authors and I loved his novel, "Pillars of the Earth." In this short book written after the burning of Notre-Dame, Follett talks about his love of and research about cathedrals. I enjoyed Ken Follett's reading of the audio version of this book.

Delightfully Informative

Quick, but full of historical details and facts craftily woven into an engaging tale with Notre Dame as the central character.

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.

Very Interesting

Having been to Notre Dame shortly before it burned, I to was very sad to see it on fire. I found the early history very intersting as well as the period during WWII. Hope to go back when restoration is complete.

A quick must-listen

Mr. Follett has a surprisingly great reading voice and I enjoyed hearing him read his own work. I’ve read and loved ‘Pillars of the Earth’; I’ll have to check if he narrates that work as well.

Mr. Follett presents some fascinating insights on medieval cathedrals in general and Notre Dame in particular. It’s a short production, but written and told with clear affection for a beautiful and much-loved building. One I’ll definitely share with others.

informative

Narrated by the author, this informative piece is a primer on what a Cathedral is and what is required to build one. It was a wonderful way to make a donation to the reparations of the historic Notre-dame Cathedral.

Enlightening

Fascinating. Thoroughly enjoyed the history lessons over the course of time. Would most definitely recommend.