The Pillars of the Earth, by Ken Follett
Ken Follett's The Pillars of the Earth is a masterpiece of historical fiction set in 12th-century England during the Anarchy. The story revolves around the construction of a Gothic cathedral in the fictional town of Kingsbridge, interweaving the lives of compelling characters with the tumultuous events of the era.
Follett's meticulous research brings medieval England to life, from the architectural marvels of cathedrals to the harsh realities of daily existence. The cast includes the brilliant mason Tom Builder, the devout Prior Philip, the resilient noblewoman Aliena, and the despicable William Hamleigh. Their intersecting paths create a rich tapestry of human experience against a backdrop of political intrigue and social upheaval.
What sets this novel apart is its ability to immerse readers in the sights, sounds, and smells of the period. From bustling marketplaces to serene monastery halls, every scene is vividly rendered. Follett doesn't shy away from the brutality of the time, depicting violence and hardship alongside moments of beauty and hope.
The Pillars of the Earth is more than just a story about building a cathedral. It explores themes of faith, ambition, and the human spirit's capacity to create lasting beauty in a chaotic world. For those planning to visit England, this book will enrich your experience, bringing new depth to your encounters with the country's historic cathedrals.
Follett's epic educates as it entertains, leaving readers with a newfound appreciation for this fascinating period of history. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply enjoy a well-crafted story, The Pillars of the Earth is a monumental read that will captivate you from start to finish.
“You never know,” Jack said speculatively. “There may come a time when savages like William Hamleigh aren’t in power; when the laws protect the ordinary people instead of enslaving them; when the king makes peace instead of war. Think of that - a time when towns in England don’t need walls!”
Interesting Facts & Links:
Follett, known primarily for his spy thrillers, was inspired to write this historical novel after becoming fascinated with medieval cathedrals during a church tour in 1976. Despite his publisher's skepticism about the change in genre, Follett persisted with the project. The author spent nearly 10 years researching medieval architecture, monastic life, and 12th-century history before beginning to write the novel. This extensive preparation contributed to the book's rich historical detail and authenticity.
While Kingsbridge is fictional, several real cathedrals influenced Follett's descriptions. The most significant was Salisbury Cathedral, particularly its rapid construction time and its tall, elegant spire.
Bestseller against odds: Despite its unconventional subject matter and considerable length (over 900 pages), The Pillars of the Earth became an unexpected bestseller. It has sold over 26 million copies worldwide and has been translated into more than 30 languages.
The novel has been used in history and architecture courses in several universities. Its detailed descriptions of Gothic architecture and medieval construction techniques have made it a valuable resource for students studying these subjects.
While The Pillars of the Earth was the first book published, the series has expanded both backwards and forwards in time, offering a sweeping saga that spans nearly 800 years of English history, all centered around the fictional town of Kingsbridge. Here is a list of the books in the Kingsbridge series (also known as The Pillars of the Earth series) by Ken Follett, in chronological order of the story's timeline:
The Evening and the Morning (2020): Set in 997 CE, this prequel introduces the origins of Kingsbridge.
The Pillars of the Earth (1989): The original novel, set in the 12th century during the Anarchy.
World Without End (2007): Takes place in the 14th century, 200 years after The Pillars of the Earth.
A Column of Fire (2017): Set in the 16th century during the reign of Elizabeth I.
The Armor of Light (2023): The most recent addition, set in the late 18th century during the Industrial Revolution and American War of Independence.
This book is one of the best examples of historical fiction, and one of our top recommendations. Click here to see our other suggestions on some amazing travel novels.
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