#1 New York Times Bestseller Oprah's Book Club Selection The “extraordinary . . . monumental masterpiece” (Booklist) that changed the course of Ken Follett’s already phenomenal career—and begins where its prequel, The Evening and the Morning, ended. “Follett risks all and comes out a clear winner,” extolled Publishers Weekly 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.
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About the author
Ken Follett
Author
Kenneth Martin Follett is a Welsh author of thrillers and historical novels who has sold more than 198 million copies of his works. His books have been sold in over 80 countries.
The Pillars of the Earth
by Ken Follett
Books Like The Pillars of the Earth
If you're looking for books similar to The Pillars of the Earth, here are some recommendations based on themes, tone, and narrative style.
Wolf Hall
Hilary Mantel
A historical novel set in Tudor England, focusing on Thomas Cromwell's rise to power. Like Pillars of the Earth, it offers a meticulously researched portrayal of medieval political and social dynamics. The book provides a deep dive into historical intrigue, power struggles, and individual ambition. Mantel's narrative style offers rich character development and a nuanced exploration of historical periods.
World Without End
Ken Follett
A direct sequel to The Pillars of the Earth, this novel continues the saga of Kingsbridge with another epic historical narrative. Set two centuries after the original story, it explores medieval life through interconnected characters facing social and personal challenges. The book maintains Follett's rich historical detail and complex character development. It follows the lives of several townspeople as they navigate the complexities of 14th-century England during the Black Death.
The Evening and the Morning
Ken Follett
A prequel to The Pillars of the Earth, this novel is set in the tumultuous period before the original story. It explores the origins of Kingsbridge and the early lives of the community's foundational characters. The book maintains Follett's signature blend of historical detail and compelling personal narratives. It provides context for the original novel's setting and characters, offering deeper insight into the medieval world.
The Lions of Al-Rassan
Guy Gavriel Kay
A historical fantasy novel inspired by medieval Spain, exploring cultural conflict and personal relationships. The book shares Follett's approach to complex historical narratives and character development. It follows characters from different cultural backgrounds during a period of significant social change. The narrative provides a nuanced exploration of cultural interactions and personal loyalties.
The Shadow of the Wind
Carlos Ruiz Zafón
A historical mystery set in post-war Barcelona, exploring literature and personal discovery. The book shares Follett's interest in complex narrative structures and historical settings. It follows a young man's journey through a mysterious literary world. The narrative provides a rich exploration of personal and historical mysteries.
The Name of the Rose
Umberto Eco
A historical mystery set in a medieval monastery, this novel combines intricate historical detail with a compelling narrative about knowledge, faith, and power. The story follows a Franciscan friar investigating a series of mysterious murders in an Italian abbey. Like Pillars of the Earth, it offers a deep exploration of medieval life, religious politics, and human complexity. The book blends historical authenticity with intellectual intrigue and complex character relationships.
The Last Kingdom
Bernard Cornwell
First in the Saxon Stories series, this novel explores medieval England during Viking invasions. It shares Follett's interest in historical conflict and personal transformation. The book follows a Saxon nobleman caught between two cultures during a tumultuous historical period. The narrative provides a rich exploration of medieval warfare and cultural dynamics.
Sarum
Edward Rutherfurd
An epic historical novel tracing the history of England through multiple generations. Like Pillars of the Earth, it offers a sweeping historical narrative centered on a specific geographical location. The book follows the development of the Salisbury area from prehistoric times to the modern era. The narrative provides a comprehensive exploration of historical and social changes.
The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet
David Mitchell
A historical novel set in late 18th-century Japan, exploring cultural interactions and personal challenges. The book shares Follett's approach to detailed historical storytelling. It follows a Dutch trader navigating complex cultural and personal landscapes. The narrative provides a rich exploration of cross-cultural interactions and individual experiences.
Cathedral of the Sea
Ildefonso Falcones
Set in medieval Barcelona, this novel follows the construction of Santa Maria del Mar cathedral and the life of a young peasant seeking social mobility. The book shares Follett's epic historical storytelling approach, focusing on architectural achievement and social transformation. It explores themes of class struggle, personal ambition, and architectural marvel. The narrative provides a rich, immersive look into medieval social structures and individual human struggles.
The Historian
Elizabeth Kostova
A historical novel blending academic research with mysterious narrative, exploring the legend of Dracula. The book shares Follett's approach to detailed historical investigation and complex storytelling. It follows multiple generations of scholars uncovering historical mysteries. The narrative provides a rich exploration of historical research and personal discovery.
The Doomsday Book
Connie Willis
A time-travel novel set in medieval England, exploring historical authenticity and human resilience. The book shares Follett's detailed approach to historical representation. It follows a historian transported to the medieval period during the Black Death. The narrative provides a unique perspective on historical challenges and human adaptation.
The Crimson Petal and the White
Michel Faber
A historical novel set in Victorian London, exploring social dynamics and personal transformations. The book shares Follett's approach to detailed historical storytelling. It follows the life of a prostitute navigating complex social structures. The narrative provides a nuanced exploration of social mobility and personal agency.
The Physician
Noah Gordon
A historical novel about a young English barber-surgeon who travels to Persia to study medicine. The book shares Follett's interest in medieval life, personal transformation, and professional ambition. It follows the protagonist's journey of learning and self-discovery across different cultures. The narrative provides a rich exploration of medieval medical practices and personal growth.
The Mists of Avalon
Marion Zimmer Bradley
A retelling of the Arthurian legend from female perspectives, set in medieval Britain. The book shares Follett's interest in complex historical narratives and character development. It explores the lives of women during a transformative historical period. The narrative provides a nuanced exploration of power, religion, and personal agency.
The Alienist
Caleb Carr
A historical thriller set in 19th-century New York City, exploring early forensic investigation techniques. While set in a different period, the book shares Follett's approach to detailed historical storytelling and complex character development. It follows a team investigating a series of murders using emerging psychological techniques. The narrative provides a deep dive into historical social dynamics and professional challenges.
The Book of Spells
Raymond E. Feist
A historical fantasy novel exploring medieval magical traditions and social dynamics. The book shares Follett's interest in detailed historical settings and complex character interactions. It follows characters navigating magical and political challenges in a medieval-inspired world. The narrative provides a rich exploration of power dynamics and personal transformation.
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