The Pillars of the Earth

By: Ken Follett

Narrated by: Richard E. Grant

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.

Critic reviews

"Wonderful . . . will hold you, fascinate you, surround you." (Chicago Sun-Times)

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

"Ken Follett takes a giant step." (San Francisco Chronicle)

Excellent Historical Novel of the 12th Century

Follett weaves a clever story dealing with church, state, and the people of 12th century England during the time of King Henry and Thomas Beckett. It's a fun, but scary ride back to the Middle Ages where the peasants are at the mercy of the sovereign, and justice moves slowly.

Great Book

Beautifully written and narrated. One of my favorites yet.

Not as good as the book

This was one of my favorite books and I was looking forward to listening to the story again. Sadly, the story was edited to the point that it was mutilated. The reader was quite good but he couldn’t fix the story.

Richard E. Grant is a Great Storyteller

Yes, Ken Follett wrote the novel but Richard E. Grant is the one who tells the story and he does so marvelously well, bringing characters and scenes to life in such an engaging way. He rivals the reader of the Harry Potter books for his ability to give each character their own voices. I could hardly bring myself to turn the novel off!

Am now off to look for the other books read by Richard E. Grant.

I loved it!

I had read this book many years ago, but the Audible version is possibly even better.

Pillars is one of the great Historical Novel, abridged into mediocrity

Who ever undertook the task of shortening Ken Follet’s Crowning Achievement had a nearly impossible assignment and did not succeed. Some of what was left out was not significant but leaving out much of the Evil done by William Hamlegh and the rise of the Earldom under Alina made the final scenes hollow at best!

Overall enjoyed it

Good writing, nice story line my only real issue was the love scenes. Clearly written by a man without consult of a woman. Rather insightful as to what men think about the act from a woman's perspective. LOL

Time Warped Me to Another World

I was somewhat skeptical after reading some reviews but my wife encouraged me tho give it a try. Absolutely loved it.

Great Book. Really Sad tho.

Any additional comments?

It takes a while to get into this audiobook. It starts off really sad. In the middle it's really sad. Even near the end it's sad. But it's still a good book. Once I felt invested in the characters I really enjoyed it. Great plot twist and amazing description of architecture.

Powerfull Story - 10 hour version

This is a quality story about people. Struggle, intrigue, politics, character - it has it all. One of Follet's best.
Not religious. I recommend it - you will not want to turn your car off.