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The Pillars of the Earth | 
 enlarge | Author: Ken Follett
Publisher: NAL Trade
Category: Book
List Price: $20.00
Buy New: $10.80
You Save: $9.20 (46%)
New (32) Used (34) Collectible (1) from $9.50
Avg. Customer Rating:  1212 reviews
Sales Rank: 91
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 976
Shipping Weight (lbs): 2.6
Dimensions (in): 8.9 x 6 x 1.8
ISBN: 0451207149
Dewey Decimal Number: 823.914
UPC: 051855019006
EAN: 9780451207142
ASIN: 0451207149
Publication Date: February 4, 2002
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Book Description
Ken Follett had long been a staple of the bestseller lists for his novels of intrigue and espionage. Then came The Pillars of the Earth, a grand novel of epic storytelling that readers and critics quickly hailed as his crowning achievement. Now, The Pillars of the Earth is available for the first time to a new audience of readers, in this attractive new trade paperback edition.
In 12th-century England, the building of a mighty Gothic cathedral signals the dawn of a new age. This majestic creation will bond clergy and kings, knights and peasants together in a story of toil, faith, ambition and rivalry. A sweeping tale of the turbulent middle ages, The Pillars of the Earth is a masterpiece from one of the world's most popular authors.
"A novel of majesty and power...Will hold you, fascinate you, surround you." --Chicago Sun-Times
"A towering tale...There's murder, arson, treachery, torture, love, and lust...A good time can be had by all." --New York Daily News
"Touches all human emotions...truly a novel to get lost in." --Cosmopolitan
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| Customer Reviews: Read 1207 more reviews...
 Wonderful! July 22, 2008
I haven't enjoyed a book as much as this in quite awhile. You need no knowledge of the time-period to enjoy the story. I found the book to be a page-turner from the very beginning. I didn't want to put it down at all. The ending was anti-climatic for me though but the book was so good throughout that it didn't matter at all.
thepillars of the earth July 22, 2008
I haven't enjoy a book some much in a long time.I was so happy when he wrote a sequel.
It's a book that you can not put down,You just forget everything that is going on around you.
 An exercise in tedium July 22, 2008
Follett slogs along where Michener or Kingsolver might have soared. Michael Crichton gave us more excitement and far more valuable historical insights in "Timeline." The ongoing theme of cathedral building is a compelling notion, but the author's handling of the characters and their interaction eventually becomes as tedious to read as the book is weighty to hold (nearly 2 pounds in its paperback form.)
Sweeping Monastic Epic July 21, 2008
I love this book and will miss the characters when I am finally done. Fewer than 100 pages to go and dreading coming to a close (as my friend indicated when she recommended the book). The characters are so well written, you feel you know them. I am surprised that over 200 people rated this 3 or less - I would be interested in what they include on their list of favorites. The building of the cathedral, though central, was simply a way to bind the characters, but those with an interest in architecture or cathedrals should find this aspect very interesting. I have always enjoyed visiting the churches of Europe and this gives me an even greater appreciation. Though 900+ pages may seem daunting, I read it in less than a week during my commute and often could not put it down once home. I was not a reader of Follett, but will likely read many many more of his novels if this one was any indication of his writing style and depth. Bravo Follett!!
An engrossing story, not for those with short attention spans... July 20, 2008
I read this book when it first came out in 1989 and I remember enjoying it. When World Without End came out, I wanted to read that, but figured I should re-read Pillars again, but admittedly a 900 page book wasn't appealing.
Still, I started the book and eagerly read it till the glorious end. I am baffled by the reviewers who knock the characters and say they are one dimensional. I think some people have no patience and can't take the time to enjoy a good book, but feel they need to skim entire sections. They just missed out on something good and then they wonder why the story didn't work for them.
If you can hold your attention for awhile and can see the value in learning about life in the 1100's in England, and how people built amazing buildings, then you can easily enjoy this book.
Yes, there is sex in the book, probably like there was in the 1100's. It covers sex from violence, from prostitutes and from true love. Honestly, I can't see that the book would have been as poignant without including it. If it really disturbs you, maybe there are other issues you should worry about. It is not a central part of the book, but I think some readers can't get past it.
The author was an atheist? Oops, didn't know that, so I guess it isn't reflected in his book.
Criticisms on historical inaccuracy? This is fiction, and the story took place 800+ years ago. How can a reader be so certain Aliena wouldn't have acted a certain way. Heaven forbid a woman be smart back then.
The book is enjoyable, intense and entertaining. Now I must go start World Without End.
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