A Column of Fire

Written in 2017 by Ken Follett, A Column of Fire is a historical fiction/historical romance novel and the third book in his Kingsbridge series, following The Pillars of the Earth (1989) and World Without End (2007). This novel is a loose sequel to the previous two books and is set against the backdrop of 16th-century Europe. Spanning both decades and continents, it follows the lives of a cast of characters who are caught in the conflict and intrigue surrounding the reign of Queen Elizabeth I and the religious divide between the Catholics and the Protestants. Follett is a best-selling Welsh author known for his historical fiction and his spy thrillers, including The Eye of the Needle (1978), Lie Down With Lions (1986), and Fall of Giants (2010).

This guide refers to the 2017 hardcover edition published by Viking.

Content Warning: Both the source text and this guide contain references to sexual assault, graphic violence, enslavement, suicide, and abuse.

Plot Summary

The story of A Column of Fire unfolds across three primary countries—England, which is grappling with civil strife as Queen Elizabeth seeks religious tolerance; France, where Mary Stuart contends for the English throne until the death of her husband, King Francis; and Spain, which is ruled by the unyielding hand of the Catholic King Felipe.