The Pillars of the Earth

· The Kingsbridge Novels Book 1 · Macmillan Digital Audio · Narrated by John Lee
4.8
16 reviews
Audiobook
40 hr 56 min
Unabridged
Eligible
Ratings and reviews aren’t verified  Learn More
Want a 17 min sample? Listen anytime, even offline. 
Add
16% price drop on Jan 25

About this audiobook

A spellbinding epic tale of ambition, anarchy and absolute power set against the sprawling medieval canvas of twelfth-century England, The Pillars of the Earth is Ken Follett's classic historical masterpiece.

A MASON WITH A DREAM

1135 and civil war, famine and religious strife abound. With his family on the verge of starvation, mason Tom Builder dreams of the day that he can use his talents to create and build a cathedral like no other.

A MONK WITH A BURNING MISSION

Philip, prior of Kingsbridge, is resourceful, but with money scarce he knows that for his town to survive it must find a way to thrive, and so he makes the decision to build within it the greatest Gothic cathedral the world has ever known.

A WORLD OF HIGH IDEALS AND SAVAGE CRUELTY

As Tom and Philip meet so begins an epic tale of ambition, anarchy and absolute power. In a world beset by strife and enemies that would thwart their plans, they will stop at nothing to achieve their ambitions in a struggle between good and evil that will turn church against state, and brother against brother . . .

The Pillars of the Earth is the first in The Kingsbridge Novels series, followed by World Without End and A Column of Fire.

More than 175 million copies sold worldwide. Published in over eighty territories and thirty-seven languages. The international No. 1 bestselling phenomenon returns.

Ratings and reviews

4.8
16 reviews
Steve Lucas
September 29, 2023
A superb book that I wish I had read years ago. The narration is easy to listen to although I did have to speed it up as it felt quite slow. I was led to believe this was the story of the building of a cathedral. whilst it is a central point, there is so much more than that. Now to decide if I will go prequel or sequel next
Did you find this helpful?
Rusne Naujo
May 5, 2020
The book is great, but the recording has a big 1.5 hour gap in chapter 7.
Did you find this helpful?
Mirela Chelaru
September 1, 2023
Beautifully written, beautifully read by John Lee, great story and great characters. I am looking forward to the next volumes.
Did you find this helpful?

About the author

Ken Follett was born in Cardiff, Wales. Barred from watching films and television by his parents, he developed an early interest in reading thanks to a local library. After studying philosophy at University College London, he became involved in centre-left politics, entering into journalism soon after. His first thriller, the wartime spy drama Eye of the Needle, became an international bestseller and has sold over 10 million copies. He then astonished everyone with his first historical novel, The Pillars of the Earth, the story of the building of a medieval cathedral, which went on to become one of the most beloved books of the twentieth century. One of the most popular authors in the world, his many books, including the Kingsbridge series and the Century trilogy, have sold more than 178 million copies. A father and husband, Ken lives with his wife in England and enjoys travelling the world when he can.

Rate this audiobook

Tell us what you think.

Listening information

Smartphones and tablets
Install the Google Play Books app for Android and iPad/iPhone. It syncs automatically with your account and allows you to read online or offline wherever you are.
Laptops and computers
You can read books purchased on Google Play using your computer's web browser.

Continue the series

Listeners also liked

More by Ken Follett