42 pages • 1 hour read
Ken FollettThe Pillars of the Earth
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1989A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Welsh writer Ken Follett's novel The Pillars of the Earth begins with the sinking of the White Ship in 1120 and ends with the murder of Thomas Beckett in 1170. It follows ordinary people in the fictional town of Kingsbridge, centering on Prior Philip's ambition to build a grand church and the lives entwined by the political and social upheavals of the period. The book includes themes that may be traumatic, such as war, violence, and wrongful persecution.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Ken Follett's The Pillars of the Earth captivates readers with its richly detailed historical setting and complex characters, though the pacing and length have been critiqued. Admirers appreciate the intricate plot and immersive storytelling, while some find the narrative occasionally bogged down by its extensive detail. Overall, it's a compelling read for historical fiction enthusiasts.
Who Should Read The Pillars of the Earth?
Fans of The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett likely enjoy historical fiction rich in detail and epic in scope. Comparable to readers of A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin and World Without End by Follett himself, these readers appreciate intricate plots, historical architecture, and themes of power and intrigue.