logo

42 pages 1 hour read

The Pillars of the Earth

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1989

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Ken Follett

The Pillars of the Earth

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1989
Book Details
Pages

983

Format

Novel • Fiction

Period
Setting

England • 12th Century

Publication Year

1989

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

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.

Suspenseful

Dark

Gritty

Emotional

Romantic

Reviews & Readership

4.5

829,996 ratings

85%

Loved it

10%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

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 this

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.

4.5

829,996 ratings

85%

Loved it

10%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

983

Format

Novel • Fiction

Period
Setting

England • 12th Century

Publication Year

1989

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.