The Pillars of the Earth

by Ken Follett
The Pillars of the Earth cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Historical Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 1550
  • Added: 2025-10-08
  • Updated: 2025-10-08
  • ISBN: 9780330465717
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 2008-09-04
  • Formats: 7
  • Reviews: 3
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Paperback • £12.99
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Format • £12.34

The Pillars of the Earth is a spellbinding tale of ambition, anarchy, and absolute power set against the backdrop of twelfth-century England. The story follows Tom Builder, a mason with a dream to create a cathedral like no other, and Philip, a monk with a burning mission to build the greatest Gothic cathedral the world has ever known. As they navigate a world beset by civil war, famine, and religious strife, their ambitions clash with the forces of evil, leading to a struggle between good and evil that will turn church against state and brother against brother. More than just a story of architectural grandeur, The Pillars of the Earth is a rich tapestry of human drama, political intrigue, and historical detail. With over 175 million copies sold worldwide and translations in over eighty territories and thirty-seven languages, this international bestseller is a testament to Ken Follett's mastery of historical fiction.

Reviews
Novel Notions · 2024-07-20
compelling 4.50

The novel is praised for its exploration of themes like faith, war, and survival, with the cathedral-building aspect being particularly highlighted. The story's depth and complexity are appreciated, making it a compelling read.

This review highlights how the novel masterfully weaves together themes of faith, war, survival, and love, creating a rich tapestry of human experience. The reviewer especially appreciates the focus on the cathedral's construction, which adds a unique layer to the story. They find the narrative both engaging and thought-provoking, with well-developed characters and a compelling plot that keeps readers invested throughout. The reviewer also notes that the novel's exploration of historical and social issues adds depth and relevance, making it a standout read.

Quick quotes

    It is a story about faith, war, survival, poverty, family, love, responsibility, and unity.

    This isn't to say the cathedral building aspect is inferior ...

    The story's depth and complexity are appreciated, making it a compelling read.

Trey Stone · 2023-07-07
expertly crafted 4.75

The book is described as expertly crafted, with a significant improvement over the reviewer's previous experience with Follett's thrillers. The narrative is captivating and well-executed.

The reviewer was initially skeptical due to a previous less-than-stellar experience with Follett's thrillers, but they found this book to be a complete departure and a major improvement. They praise the expert craftsmanship of the novel, noting its captivating narrative and well-developed characters. The reviewer also appreciates the historical setting and the way the story unfolds, making it a highly enjoyable read. They highlight the book's ability to keep readers engaged from start to finish, with a richly detailed and immersive story.

Quick quotes

    It's expertly crafted.

    I've read one of Follett's thrillers before and it wasn't great, but this is something else.

    The narrative is captivating and well-executed.

SF Book · 2020-08-10
grand 4.25

The novel is enjoyed for its grand, sweeping vision and enduring popularity. The reviewer appreciates the story's depth and the reasons behind its continued appeal.

The reviewer expresses their enjoyment of the novel, highlighting its grand, sweeping vision and the reasons why it remains so popular. They note that the story's depth and complexity are part of what makes it so appealing, and they appreciate the way it captures the reader's imagination. The reviewer also mentions the personal connection they feel to the book, as it was a favorite of their father, adding a layer of emotional resonance to their reading experience. They find the novel to be a timeless piece of literature that continues to captivate readers.

Quick quotes

    I did really enjoy The Pillars of the Earth, I can see why it's still so popular and why my Father loved it.

    The grand, sweeping vision told ...

    The story's depth and complexity are part of what makes it so appealing.

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