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Cover of The Pillars of the Earth
Historical Fiction· United Kingdom

The Pillars of the Earth

by Ken Follett
Aggregate Editorial Score44/100
Oprah's Book Club
Published 19891040 pagesEnglish
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About This Book

Ken Follett's The Pillars of the Earth (1989) stands as one of the most significant works of historical fiction of its era. Prior Philip and master builder Tom attempt to build a cathedral in a twelfth-century English town riven by civil war and corrupt politics. Follett's beloved doorstop of a historical novel became one of the best-selling books of all time after Oprah's endorsement. Themes of cathedral, medieval England, faith run through the work. The book has received recognition from Oprah's Book Club 1989.

Book Details

AuthorKen Follett
Published1989
Country of Origin🇬🇧 United Kingdom
LanguageEnglish
Pages1040
Category🗺️ Historical Fiction
ISBN9780451166890
Editorial Score44/100
About the Category

🗺️ Historical Fiction

Novels set in the past, blending real events with fictional narratives.

Explore all Historical Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

This book is part of United Kingdom's rich literary tradition.

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Editorial Assessment

Ken Follett published The Pillars of the Earth in 1989, and it has since become one of the more widely recognised works of historical fiction from United Kingdom. The book's treatment of cathedral, medieval England, faith, ambition accounts for much of its enduring reputation. Among its recognitions: Oprah's Book Club 1989. With an editorial score of 44/100 drawn from 1 independent sources, the book occupies a well-documented position in the critical literature. Its recognition spans international prizes, "best of" lists, and academic surveys. The appeal of The Pillars of the Earth lies partly in its refusal to offer easy answers. Its exploration of cathedral, medieval England, faith, ambition is sustained, textured, and genuinely thought-provoking in ways that stay with readers well after the final page. Within United Kingdom's literary landscape, Ken Follett occupies a significant position. The Pillars of the Earth is both a personal artistic statement and a contribution to a tradition shaped by the country's history and cultural concerns.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

Oprah's Book Club
list · national
198918
✍️
About the Author
Ken Follett
United Kingdom
View Author →

Ken Follett is a celebrated author from United Kingdom known for influential works of historical fiction.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Pillars of the Earth about?

Prior Philip and master builder Tom attempt to build a cathedral in a twelfth-century English town riven by civil war and corrupt politics. Follett's beloved doorstop of a historical novel became one of the best-selling books of all time after Oprah's endorsement.

Who wrote The Pillars of the Earth?

The Pillars of the Earth was written by Ken Follett, from United Kingdom. First published in 1989.

What awards has The Pillars of the Earth won?

The Pillars of the Earth has received the following awards and honours: Oprah's Book Club 1989.

Is The Pillars of the Earth worth reading?

The Pillars of the Earth is a book that has earned critical recognition, with an aggregate editorial score of 18/100 on 50 Best Books, based on mentions across 1 editorial source. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in cathedral, medieval England, faith.

Where can I buy The Pillars of the Earth?

You can buy The Pillars of the Earth on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Pillars of the Earth?

The Pillars of the Earth is classified as Historical Fiction. Novels set in the past, blending real events with fictional narratives.

What country is The Pillars of the Earth from?

The Pillars of the Earth originates from United Kingdom's literary tradition. Explore more books from United Kingdom on our country page.

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