The Pillars of the Earth

Nominated as one of America’s best-loved novels by PBS’s The Great American Read

#1 New York Times Bestseller

Oprah's Book Club Selection

The “monumental masterpiece” (Booklist) that changed the course of Ken Follett’s already phenomenal career.

Look out for the prequel, The Evening and the Morning, coming from Viking in September 2020.


“Follett is a master,” extolled the
Washington Post on the release of 
The Pillars of the Earth. A departure for the bestselling thriller writer, the historical epic stunned readers and critics alike with its ambitious scope and gripping humanity. Today, it stands as a testament to Follett’s unassailable command of the written word and to his universal appeal. 

 

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 twelfth-century England, this is Ken Follett’s historical masterpiece.

"Follett is a master." -The Washington Post

"Wonderful . . . will hold you, fascinate you, surround you." -Chicago Sun-Times

"A towering tale . . . a ripping read. . . . There's murder, arson, treachery, torture, love, and lust." -The New York Daily News"Ken Follett takes a giant step." -San Francisco Chronicle

"Enormous and brilliant . . . a great epic tale . . . crammed with characters unbelievably alive across the great gulf of centuries . . . touches all human emotion-love and hate, loyalty and treachery, hope and despair. See for yourself. This is truly a novel to get lost in." -Cosmopolitan

"With this book, Follett risks all and comes out a clear winner . . . a historical novel of gripping readability, authentic atmosphere, and memorable characterization. Beginning with a mystery that casts its shadow, the narrative is a seesaw of tension, suspense, impeccable pacing . . . action, intrigue, violence, passion, greed, bravery, dedication, revenge, and love. A love that entertains, instructs, and satisfies on a grand scale." -Publishers Weekly

"An extraordinary epic buttressed by suspense . . . a mystifying puzzle involving the execution of an innocent man . . . the erection of a magnificent cathedral . . . romance, rivalry, and spectacle. A monumental masterpiece . . . a towering triumph from a major talent." -Booklist