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The Pillars of the Earth
 
 
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The Pillars of the Earth [Audiobook, Unabridged] [Audio CD]

Ken Follett (Author), John Lee (Narrator)
4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1,935 customer reviews)

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Book Description

October 9, 2007
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Learn more about The Pillars of the Earth miniseries on Starz.

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.

Unabridged edition read by John Lee



Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Set in 12th-century England, the narrative concerns the building of a cathedral in the fictional town of Kingsbridge. The ambitions of three men merge, conflict and collide through 40 years of social and political upheaval as internal church politics affect the progress of the cathedral and the fortunes of the protagonists. "Follett has written a novel that entertains, instructs and satisfies on a grand scale," judged PW.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Mass Market Paperback edition.

From Library Journal

A radical departure from Follett's novels of international suspense and intrigue, this chronicles the vicissitudes of a prior, his master builder, and their community as they struggle to build a cathedral and protect themselves during the tumultuous 12th century, when the empress Maud and Stephen are fighting for the crown of England after the death of Henry I. The plot is less tightly controlled than those in Follett's contemporary works, and despite the wealth of historical detail, especially concerning architecture and construction, much of the language as well as the psychology of the characters and their relationships remains firmly rooted in the 20th century. This will appeal more to lovers of exciting adventure stories than true devotees of historical fiction. Literary Guild dual main selection.
- Cynthia Johnson Whealler, Cary Memorial Lib., Lexington, Mass.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

  • Reading level: Ages 14 and up
  • Audio CD
  • Publisher: Penguin Audio; Unabridged edition (October 9, 2007)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0143142372
  • ISBN-13: 978-0143142379
  • Product Dimensions: 5.9 x 5.3 x 3.4 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1,935 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #120,154 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Ken Follett was only twenty-seven when he wrote the award-winning EYE OF THE NEEDLE, which became an international bestseller. His celebrated PILLARS OF THE EARTH was voted into the top 100 of Britain's best-loved books in the BBC's the Big Read and the sequel, WORLD WITHOUT END, will be published in Autumn 2007. He has since written several equally successful novels including, most recently, WHITEOUT. He is also the author of non-fiction bestseller ON WINGS OF EAGLES. He lives with his family in London and Hertfordshire.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1,167 of 1,221 people found the following review helpful
Format:Mass Market Paperback
I've never been a fan of Follett, and picked this book up with some misgivings - anyone these days can try to do an "historical" novel with some quick sex, some fake archaic new-speak, and a TV-movie-miniseries concept of history. While there are some minor flaws in this book, its sweep, characterization, tensions, and love of its subject are simply riveting. I could not put the darned thing down and have lost sleep for a week compulsively page-turning. Follett, unbelievably, seems to have made little splash with this book when it first came out - more shame to the critics who missed a "Gone With the Wind" from a conventional thriller author.

His primary strength in the book is his magnificent characters. By the end, Prior Phillip, Aliena, Jack, Richard, "Witch" Ellen, William of Hamleigh, Waleran Bigod, and a host of supporting characters are as real as people you know. Their strengths and weaknesses feel as sound as earth. I've just reached the part where the Cathedral is finished, and its magnificent image, built in love, hardship, and devotion, colors the whole book like light through stained glass. And I suspect the ending will be as immensely "right" as the entire rest of the book in its proportion in spinning out complicated human lives and emotions.

Follett manages to write of an age of religious devotion without tumbling into the two pits - making fun of medieval Christian faith, or uncritically adopting it. An IMMENSELY satisfying read.

I could quibble with what I feel is some gratuitous sex, some slightly contrived plot twists, but that's like complaining about some flotsam in the river as you're going over Niagara.

DO NOT MISS THIS BOOK if you love wonderful story-spinning and history.

Well done, Mr. Follett!

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247 of 258 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I actually listened to this book on tape, while my wife read the paperback. Both of us loved it. I not only recommend the book, but also urge people to rent the Book on Tape version, narrated by David Case, whose acting and narrative talents shine through, bringing the various characters to life. (But still purchase the book from Amazon!) I came to Pillars of the Earth after spending about two solid years reading, in my spare time, nothing but medieval histories, with a focus on fourteenth century England and the Plantagenet kings. I had never before read a book by Follett, who I had assumed mass-produced pulp spy fiction. I only chose the book because of of my interest in medieval history. To my delight and surprise, I discovered the book to be a true work of literature, which might well still be read in 100 years. I found myself amazed by Follett's ability to create an extremely complex and compelling plot, with compelling characters, against a backdrop that seemed true to the histories I had been reading. The early twelfth century is a period neglected by us moderns; but it's one that's inherently interesting. Who, today, has even heard of King Stephen (who preceded the famous Henry II, immortalized twice by Peter O'Toole in the 1960s movies Beckett and Lion in Winter)? Because, in England at least, Stephen's reign was a time of virtual anarchy, Follett was able to use the period to create characters who demonstrate the brutal lengths to which people can go when unconstrained by law and an effective legal order. At the same time, though, he has created religious and other well-meaning characters who, if alien to us because of their belief in Hell and a God intervening almost minute-by-minute in human afairs, display courage and the best of intentions in the harsh face of barbarism. This juxtaposition of the brutal and the well-meaning makes for an interesting meditation on human nature and on the hope for the gradual further civilization of our species. His ultimate message is encouraging, though he certainly doesn't shrink from depicting the nastiness of which humans are capable. In short, the book is a marvelous piece of fiction, in which Follet has done an excellent job capturing the feeling of a distant and neglected period of history.
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440 of 484 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Personally, I don't place a lot of stock in Oprah's book club lottery. The instant stardom that placement on this reading list bestows authors isn't always, in my opinion, justified. That being said, this is a wonderful book.

Pillars is complex, moving and informative. The research was excellent, the characters are engaging and the story moves at a surprisingly quick pace for a novel of this length. The descriptions of the scenes, the completeness of the political interplay and the twists of the plot make this one of my favorite books of all time. Normally, I have little patience for historical fiction unless it brings something new or truly engaging to the table. Pillars certainly does that and more.

In other words, while there is no such thing as the perfect book, this one comes very close. My advice is simple...READ THIS BOOK -- YOU'LL LOVE IT!

But do yourself a small favor, go to the used bookstore or the library, this is not a new release and you can enjoy Follett's favorite work for a fraction of the cost. A quick search of Amazon shows dozens of options that don't have the Oprah name or any other bells and whistles that I'm sure are unneeded to enjoy this spectacular piece of fiction
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Yes!
This is one of the best books I have ever read!!! I have given it to family members to read and everyone loves it! I did not want it to end!!! I'd give it 10 stars.
Published 3 days ago by Mystery17
Extremely Poor Storytelling
I tried to keep going, I really did, but I only made it 8% of the way through this book. I kept reading and hoping that it would get better, but alas it did not. Read more
Published 3 days ago by Marilyn Wheaton
Great book
I really like reading in my kindle and finding good books as this one. I recommend it if you like adventure stories full of history.
Published 7 days ago by Marcela Rodriguez
Pillars of the Earth
This is a great book and I would recommend it anyone who wants to get lost in our medieval past. Ken Follett has a slightly racey style but he is still very readable, and in... Read more
Published 7 days ago by Building Panoramics
Apsolutly incredible
I watched the mini-series of this book over the summer and was enthralled by the story, and writing. I was very eager to get my hands on this book and... Read more
Published 10 days ago by Molly
"In both cases, weakness and scruples had defeated strength and...
There is just so much story here... masterfully linked over a long period of time and many, many pages, weaving an intricate and epic journey of several very fascinating lives. Read more
Published 11 days ago by CRISTY
Must read
This is by far the best book I have ever read. I was skeptical for the first few chapters but once it grabbed me I couldn't put it down. Read more
Published 12 days ago by Peggyanne Wink
A novel about the invention of the flying buttress---which is about as...
You have to give Follett credit for the ambition of this project, but I just didn't find The Pillars of the Earth terribly gripping, or even convincing. Read more
Published 12 days ago by Ash Ryan
Paperback version of Pillars delivered promptly
This classic Ken Follett book, PILLARS OF THE EARTH, is a favorite of mine. I ordered the paperback version for a friend and I was most pleased.
Published 12 days ago by Lucy A. Heyman
Follet's Folly
Like many of the other 1-star reviewers here, I barely resisted ditching this overblown collection of one-dimensional characters and black/white evil/good plots several times. Read more
Published 23 days ago by Eduardo Rivadavia Lopes
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Inside This Book (learn more)
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First Sentence:
IN A BROAD VALLEY, at the foot of a sloping hillside, beside a clear bubbling stream, Tom was building a house. Read the first page
Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
jack jackson, fleece fair, master quarryman, priory servants, upper compound, tracing floor, rightful earl, priory gate, weeping madonna, damned monk, monastic officers, new chancel, winding room, tribune gallery, most beautiful cathedral, lower compound, kitchen courtyard
Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
The Pillars of the Earth, Ken Follett, Prior Philip, King Stephen, Tom Builder, William Hamleigh, Bishop Waleran, Bishop Henry, Earl Bartholomew, Kingsbridge Priory, King Henry, Kingsbridge Cathedral, Waleran Bigod, Ken Folktt, Percy Hamleigh, Prior James, Abbot Peter, Ken Folleu, Johnny Eightpence, Lord William, Ken Follen, Robert of Gloucester, Cuthbert Whitehead, Earl William, Saint Adolphus
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