Are you a fan of historical fiction? If so, then you must have heard about the masterpiece by Ken Follett – The Pillars of Earth. The book is a sweeping tale of love, betrayal, ambition, and faith that takes place during the tumultuous 12th century. It is one of the most beloved novels of all time, with millions of copies sold worldwide. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive summary of The Pillars of Earth book
Introduction
“The Pillars of the Earth” is a sprawling tale that spans over several decades and follows the lives of various characters whose fates are intertwined by their association with the construction of a cathedral in the fictional town of Kingsbridge. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves historical fiction
What price are you willing to pay for power and success ?
If we focus on this novel then “The Pillars of the Earth” depicts a range of attitudes towards power and success, some of which come at a high cost to those around them. While some characters are willing to compromise their values to achieve their goals, others prioritize the greater good and strive to create a better world
Let’s dive deeper into the question through the help of novel’s storyline and uncover an answer that truly satisfies our curiosity.
The Pillars of the Earth Book Quotes
The Pillars of the Earth Book Characters
Here are some of the main characters in the novel:
| Tom Builder | A skilled builder who dreams of building a magnificent cathedral. He faces many challenges in his quest to realize his vision |
| Ellen | Tom’s wife, who is strong-willed and independent. She supports her husband’s dreams and helps him overcome various obstacles |
| Prior Philip | The ambitious and idealistic leader of Kingsbridge Priory. He is determined to build a grand cathedral and improve the lives of his community |
| Aliena | The daughter of a disgraced nobleman, who becomes a skilled businesswoman and helps to finance the cathedral project |
The Pillars of the Earth Book Summary
“The Pillars of the Earth” is a historical novel by Ken Follett set in 12th century England. The book follows the lives of several characters whose paths cross as they work together to build a magnificent cathedral in the town of Kingsbridge.
The story begins with the struggles of a young family, Tom Builder, his wife Ellen, and their children, who are struggling to survive after being evicted from their home. Tom has a dream of building a great cathedral, but he lacks the resources and connections to make it a reality.
Meanwhile, Prior Philip, the head of the local monastery, is also dreaming of building a cathedral. He envisions it as a symbol of hope and faith that will bring prosperity to the community. Together with Tom and his family, Prior Philip sets out to make their shared dream a reality.
As the cathedral project progresses, the characters face many obstacles, including financial setbacks, political intrigues, and personal tragedies. They also become entangled in the power struggles of the ruling nobility, including the ruthless William Hamleigh and the cunning Bishop Waleran Bigod.
Despite the challenges, the characters persevere, and over the course of several decades, the cathedral takes shape, becoming a source of pride and inspiration for the people of Kingsbridge. Along the way, the characters experience love and loss, betrayal and redemption, and ultimately find meaning and purpose in their lives.
Key Takeaways of The Pillars of the Earth
Here are some of the main themes and lessons to be gleaned from the book:
| The characters in the novel are united by a shared vision of building a magnificent cathedral |
| The characters come from different backgrounds and have different motivations |
| The novel also explores the dark side of ambition, as characters like William Hamleigh and Bishop Waleran Bigod pursue power and success at any cost |
| The novel is also a story of human relationships, including romantic love, familial bonds, and friendships, and it shows how those relationships can provide support and meaning in the face of adversity |
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The Pillars of the Earth Book Author
Ken Follett is the author of “The Pillars of the Earth.” He is a British writer who was born on June 5, 1949, in Cardiff, Wales. Follett began his career as a journalist, but soon turned to writing novels, and has since become one of the most popular authors in the world.
The Pillars of the Earth Book Genre
“The Pillars of the Earth” is a historical fiction novel. It is set in 12th century England, and while the characters and events depicted in the book are fictional, they are based on extensive research into the historical context of the time period
Books Like The Pillars of the Earth
If you enjoyed “The Pillars of the Earth,” here are some other books that you might also enjoy:
| “Wolf Hall” by Hilary Mantel | Link |
| “The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet” by David Mitchell | Link |
| “The Name of the Rose” by Umberto Eco | Link |
| “World Without End” by Ken Follett | Link |
The Pillars of the Earth Book Review
“The Pillars of the Earth” is a well-crafted and engaging novel that combines historical accuracy with a compelling narrative. It is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and anyone who enjoys a good story
The Pillars of the Earth Price In India
“The Pillars of the Earth” is available on Amazon India . The Price of the Novel is 883/- The price may vary depending on the format (e.g. paperback, hardcover, Kindle edition)
The Pillars of the Earth Price In U.S
“The Pillars of the Earth” is also available on Amazon U.S . The Price of the Novel is $20.99 The price may vary depending on the format (e.g. paperback, hardcover, Kindle edition)
The Pillars of the Earth Audiobook
Audiobook of “The Pillars of the Earth” is available on Audible.in. The price of this version is 323/-You can also find it on various audiobook platforms such as Google Play Books, and iTunes
Link of Audiobook : The Pillars of the Earth
Conclusion
“The Pillars of the Earth” is a timeless novel that will transport readers to a bygone era of political intrigue, religious fervor, and grand construction projects. Ken Follett’s vivid descriptions and compelling characters make this book a must-read for anyone who loves historical fiction. If you haven’t read it yet, pick up a copy today and prepare to be swept away by the epic tale of “The Pillars of the Earth.”
FAQs
What is the historical context of “The Pillars of the Earth”?
“The Pillars of the Earth” is set in 12th century England, during a period known as the Anarchy. This was a time of political and social upheaval, as two factions vied for the English throne. The novel also explores the role of the church in medieval society
What is the significance of the title “The Pillars of the Earth”?
The title of the novel refers to the central focus of the story, which is the construction of a cathedral. The cathedral serves as a metaphor for the pillars of society and the importance of community in achieving great things
Is “The Pillars of the Earth” a standalone novel or part of a series?
While “The Pillars of the Earth” is a standalone novel, it is also the first book in the Kingsbridge series. The series includes two more novels, “World Without End” and “A Column of Fire,” which are set in the same fictional town of Kingsbridge but take place during different time periods
Are there any adaptations of “The Pillars of the Earth”?
“The Pillars of the Earth” has been adapted into a television miniseries and a video game. The miniseries, which aired in 2010, starred actors such as Ian McShane, Rufus Sewell, and Eddie Redmayne. The video game, which was released in 2017, allows players to experience the story in a new interactive format