By: Ken Follett Publisher: NAL Trade Average Rating: Binding: Paperback Label: NAL Trade Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 976 Publication Date: February 04, 2002
Book Description: Ken Follett had long been a staple of the bestseller lists for his novels of intrigue and espionage. Then came The Pillars of the Earth, a grand novel of epic storytelling that readers and critics quickly hailed as his crowning achievement. Now, The Pillars of the Earth is available for the first time to a new audience of readers, in this attractive new trade paperback edition.
In 12th-century England, the building of a mighty Gothic cathedral signals the dawn of a new age. This majestic creation will bond clergy and kings, knights and peasants together in a story of toil, faith, ambition and rivalry. A sweeping tale of the turbulent middle ages, The Pillars of the Earth is a masterpiece from one of the world's most popular authors.
"A novel of majesty and power...Will hold you, fascinate you, surround you." --Chicago Sun-Times
"A towering tale...There's murder, arson, treachery, torture, love, and lust...A good time can be had by all." --New York Daily News
"Touches all human emotions...truly a novel to get lost in." --Cosmopolitan
Wonderful book. Fascinating reading, involving interesting characters as well as what life was like and how cathedrals were built in 12th century England.
Wonderful! I haven't enjoyed a book as much as this in quite awhile. You need no knowledge of the time-period to enjoy the story. I found the book to be a page-turner from the very beginning. I didn't want to put it down at all. The ending was anti-climatic for me though but the book was so good throughout that it didn't matter at all.
thepillars of the earth I haven't enjoy a book some much in a long time.I was so happy when he wrote a sequel. It's a book that you can not put down,You just forget everything that is going on around you.
An exercise in tedium Follett slogs along where Michener or Kingsolver might have soared. Michael Crichton gave us more excitement and far more valuable historical insights in "Timeline." The ongoing theme of cathedral building is a compelling notion, but the author's handling of the characters and their interaction eventually becomes as tedious to read as the book is weighty to hold (nearly 2 pounds in its paperback form.)
Sweeping Monastic Epic I love this book and will miss the characters when I am finally done. Fewer than 100 pages to go and dreading coming to a close (as my friend indicated when she recommended the book). The characters are so well written, you feel you know them. I am surprised that over 200 people rated this 3 or less - I would be interested in what they include on their list of favorites. The building of the cathedral, though central, was simply a way to bind the characters, but those with an interest in architecture or cathedrals should find this aspect very interesting. I have always enjoyed visiting the churches of Europe and this gives me an even greater appreciation. Though 900+ pages may seem daunting, I read it in less than a week during my commute and often could not put it down once home. I was not a reader of Follett, but will likely read many many more of his novels if this one was any indication of his writing style and depth. Bravo Follett!!
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