World Without End

In 1989 Ken Follett astonished the literary world with The Pillars of the Earth, a sweeping epic novel set in twelfth-century England centered on the building of a cathedral and many of the hundreds of lives it affected. Critics were overwhelmed—“it will hold you, fascinate you, surround you” (Chicago Tribune)—and readers everywhere hoped for a sequel. 

World Without End takes place in the same town of Kingsbridge, two centuries after the townspeople finished building the exquisite Gothic cathedral that was at the heart of The Pillars of the Earth. The cathedral and the priory are again at the center of a web of love and hate, greed and pride, ambition and revenge, but this sequel stands on its own. This time the men and women of an extraordinary cast of characters find themselves at a crossroad of new ideas— about medicine, commerce, architecture, and justice. In a world where proponents of the old ways fiercely battle those with progressive minds, the intrigue and tension quickly reach a boiling point against the devastating backdrop of the greatest natural disaster ever to strike the human race—the Black Death. 

Three years in the writing, and nearly eighteen years since its predecessor, World Without End breathes new life into the epic historical novel and once again shows that Ken Follett is a masterful author writing at the top of his craft.©2007 Ken Follett; (P)2007 Penguin Audio, a member of Penguin Group (USA), Inc.

Reseñas de la Crítica

“[A] well-researched, beautifully detailed portrait of the late Middle Ages . . . Follett’s no-frills prose does its job, getting smoothly through more than a thousand pages of outlaws, war, death, sex, and politics to end with an edifice that is as well constructed and solid as Merthin’s bridge.” —The Washington Post

“Follett tells a story that runs the gamut of life in the Middle Ages, and he does so in such a way that we are not only captivated but also educated. What else could you ask for?” —The Denver Post

“So if historical fiction is your meat, here’s a rare treat. A feast of conflicts and struggles among religious authority, royal governance, the powerful unions (or guilds) of the day, and the peasantry . . . With World Without End, Follett proves his Pillars may be a rarity, but it wasn’t a fluke.” —New York Post

“A work that stands as something of a triumph of industry and professionalism.”—The Guardian (UK)

“The four well-drawn central characters will captivate readers as they prove to be heroic, depraved, resourceful, or mean. Fans of Follett’s previous medieval epic will be well rewarded.” —The Union (CA)

“Populated with an immense cast of truly remarkable characters . . . this is not a book to be devoured in one sitting, tempting though that might be, but one to savor for its drama, depth, and richness.” —Library Journal

“Readers will be captivated.” —Publishers Weekly

loved it...but lengthy ...

set in feudal England in the 1300's, the story follows a number of characters through their lives. well read, enjoyable.

World Without End

After listening to Pillar of the Earth, I couldn't wait to download this one. Pillar of the Earth kept my attention just allitle bit more, but recommend this book as a good listen, truely enjoyed it.

Loved it!

Kept me interested from the first chapter to the last! Started researching the cathedrals I have visited and now I see them in a different perspective.

Engaging Listen

I really enjoyed this book most of the time, although it could be unrelenting. If I could have given 4.5 stars, I would have. John Lee mostly does an excellent job reading. My only complaint is that he redoes the voice=character_type assignments from Pillars. His Godwyn sounds just like Wallerin (sic). But Godwyn is supposed to be very charismatic, excellent at persuading people. Mr. Lee always reads him as snide and arrogant - that's the easy way, since Godwyn is a bit of a snake, but I think if he'd been read as he had been written, it would have been more interesting. Otherwise, I liked the characterizations.

Absolutely outstanding!!

I didn't think it could top Pillars of the Earth, but it was as good if not better! I didn't want it to end!