Preview
  • The Pillars of the Earth

  • By: Ken Follett
  • Narrated by: John Lee
  • Length: 40 hrs and 56 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (35,252 ratings)

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The Pillars of the Earth

By: Ken Follett
Narrated by: John Lee
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Publisher's summary

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 12th century England, this is Ken Follett's historical masterpiece.

©1989 Ken Follett (P)2007 Penguin Audio, a member of Penguin Group (USA), Inc.
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Critic reviews

"Follett is a master." (The Washington Post)

"A historical novel of gripping readability, authentic atmosphere and detail and memorable characterization." (Publishers Weekly)

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What listeners say about The Pillars of the Earth

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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    26,682
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    5,955
  • 3 Stars
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  • 2 Stars
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This will be one of your favorite books

This is my favorite book! Well-written, incredible story, with immense researching behind it, this book is a fascinating tale, and I highly recommend it! And the narrator does a wonderful job as well.

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Looking through the windows of history

I have always enjoyed the storytelling of Ken Follett, but this must be one of his greatest works. Painting vivid and vibrant insights that bring knowledge and understanding of our history.

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excellent as always

loved it just as much this time as i did the first time i listened to it

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Fascinating Trip Through History!

It's a long one, but oh so worth it.

Ken has taken what could have been a boring subject, learning about what was involved in creating magnificent cathedrals and churches in this time period, and turned it into a fascinating story.

The underlying theme of good versus evil is powerful through this magnificent tale of war, love, revenge, lust, power, violence, faith... all blended to tell this historical tale.


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A monumental story and perfect narration.

My favorite book of all time. A tour de force that should not be missed.

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    3 out of 5 stars

disappointed

Not as good as century series. sweep of history is lacking. the story becomes repetitive.

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Pillars of the Earth Review

This was a beautifully read book. Beautifully written as well! For those starting their architectural studies or career, this is a must read!

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TRIGGER WARNING - SEXUAL ASSAULT

It’s a good book, but I am astonished that there isn’t a warning about how this book contains graphic depictions of violent sexual assault. I’m only writing this review in the hopes that someone will see it before they get there and end up forced to relive their trauma. Shame on the men who wrote and produced this. They clearly didn’t consider the experiences of their female readers or they would’ve bothered to WARN THEM.

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Long and good

loved it. chilling. thrilling. i listened while driving. while going to bed.

that damn William H.

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Amazing!

This book is amazing! Narrator is very good! I caught myself thinking about the book eager to resume! It is very well written and keeps you enthralled and longing for more!

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