Description
The Pillars of the Earth - Ken Follett
Step into twelfth-century England in Ken Follett's monumental historical epic The Pillars of the Earth, a sweeping story of ambition, faith, love, betrayal and the struggle for power.
It is 1135, and England is torn apart by civil war, famine and religious conflict.
For Tom Builder, a skilled mason struggling to keep his family alive, one dream rises above everything else: to build a cathedral more magnificent than anything he has ever seen.
In the town of Kingsbridge, the determined and resourceful Philip becomes prior of a struggling monastery. Convinced that Kingsbridge can survive and prosper, he sets out on an extraordinary mission to create a great Gothic cathedral.
Their ambitions bring together a remarkable cast of characters whose lives become intertwined with the cathedral and with the violent political struggles surrounding it.
Among them is Aliena, a courageous noblewoman whose world is shattered by betrayal and loss, yet who refuses to surrender her independence or determination to rebuild her life.
As England descends into conflict, Kingsbridge becomes a battleground for competing ambitions.
Church confronts state. Families are divided by loyalty and greed. Powerful nobles fight for land and influence, while ordinary people struggle to survive in a society shaped by faith, violence and rigid social hierarchy.
At the heart of the story stands the cathedral itself.
Its construction stretches across decades, becoming a symbol of human ambition, creativity and perseverance. Around it unfold stories of love and hatred, loyalty and treachery, revenge and redemption.
Ken Follett combines meticulous historical atmosphere with gripping storytelling to create an immersive portrait of medieval England filled with political intrigue, personal rivalries and unforgettable characters.
Epic in scale yet intensely human, The Pillars of the Earth is the novel that begins the celebrated Kingsbridge series and remains one of the defining works of modern historical fiction.
Perfect for readers who enjoy sweeping historical sagas, medieval settings, family dramas, political intrigue and richly detailed stories that span years and generations.
Why You'll Love It
- Epic historical fiction by bestselling author Ken Follett
- The first novel in The Kingsbridge Novels series
- Set in twelfth-century medieval England
- Centred around the building of a magnificent Gothic cathedral
- Features unforgettable characters including Tom Builder, Philip and Aliena
- Combines history, adventure, drama and political intrigue
- Explores ambition, faith, power and social conflict
- Rich portrayal of medieval society
- Filled with rivalries, betrayals, romance and revenge
- Sweeping multi-character historical saga
- Ideal for fans of immersive historical fiction
- Substantial 1104-page paperback edition