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
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  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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Best Book I have Ever Read!!

Story is incredible. I was engaged to the very end. It was so great I listened to it twice. John Lee is an all-time great reader with a fabulous A-1 performance. I would highly highly recommend this book.

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My all time favorite story!

As long as this book is I couldn't get to the sequel fast enough!

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This is an INCREDIBLE masterpiece ..

When someone told me that a book centered on the building of a monestary would be both gripping and compelling, I was skeptical… how wrong I was. This book is a masterpiece.

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Best book I’ve ever read

I’ve read this book multiple times over the past 10 years. It and the prequel and sequel are the best books I’ve ever read. I’ll re-read them again and again.

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Pillars

This book is so addictive. I loved it and am thrilled to find another book following.

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A powerful testament to the human spirit!!!

the story takes place over many generations it is the Evan flow history it is both mundane and magical, personal and dramatic. whether it's exploring Tom, Alfred, Martha, Ellen, Jack, Aliena, Philip, Waleron or William the characters are unforgettable and thematically moving.

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Sprawling Narrative

I am an urban planner who enjoys learning about the logistic realities of societies. With a large cast with numerous interests, beliefs, and priorities the topic of feudal life is covered from many angles. I love and appreciate many of the characters in this and the trials and tribulations they must weather to live thru a turbulent time.

Considering the often time brutal and graphic violence of the setting I cannot recommend this book to everyone. Be prepared for R-Rated violence that would be NC-17 if shown in full for a movie.

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The best ever!!

This is the best audio book that I listed. Was addicted to it. Great work!!

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A truly amazing story!

This was the first book I’ve read by Ken Follett and I was so moved by the story I’ve already purchased book 2. I highly recommend reading it!!!

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The absolute best

I’ve read Pillars twice before, but this was my first time listening on audio. It remains as thrilling and memorable as ever. Historical fiction at its best, with deeply complex characters, political intrigue, and a perfect balance of good and bad and all the grey areas that make the story feel real … like modern life. It’s my personal favorite in all genres. And in another couple years, I’ll read it again.

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