'The Pillars Of The Earth' Facts: A Historical Novel By Ken Follett

Ken Follett's renowned historical fiction novel 'The Pillars of the Earth' was published in 1989.

The novel is a gripping epic tale of ambition, upheaval, and ultimate domination set in a fictional town of Kingsbridge, England, in the 12th century. The book follows the development of Gothic architecture from Romanesque architecture, as well as the fate of the Kingsbridge priory and community, against the backdrop of historical events.

Follett has crafted a book that entertains, teaches, and satisfies on a grand scale, manipulating a complex storyline in which the characters interact against a large canvas of medieval life.

The book was adapted into a TV series in 2010 and a video game in 2017. On September 15, 2020, a fourth novel, 'The Evening And The Morning' (2020), a prequel based in 997 AD, was published.

Characters Of 'The Pillars Of The Earth'

The story spans the whole life of the main characters. The story starts with a curse, a song, and progresses into a breathtaking experience that no reader will overlook.

The story accurately recreates the entire life of the town and the people that live there. Readers have the feeling that they know the land and its residents as well as someone who lived in the Middle Ages. Let's start with the people who played crucial roles during this tumultuous period.

Jack Jackson is the son of Jack Shareburg and Ellen. Ellen is the daughter of a knight. She is the mother of Jack Jackson and the sweetheart of Jack Shareburg. While living in the woods, she encounters Tom. Tom Builder is a construction worker whose lifelong ambition is to construct a cathedral.

Tom's son, Alfred Builder, is a mason who marries Aliena and then leaves her after giving birth to Jack's baby. Martha is Tom's daughter, Alfred and Jonathan's sister, and Jack's stepsister.

Prior Philip is a monk who dreams of Kingsbridge achieving glory through the construction of a cathedral. Philip is approached by his priest brother Francis, who informs him of a plan against King Stephen by Earl Bartholomew and the Earl of Gloucestershire.

Bishop Waleran Bigod is a power-hungry and unscrupulous cleric who is always plotting to gain greater authority. Philip and Waleran visit King Stephen in the hopes of persuading him to donate the church Bartholomew's lands, which include a large limestone quarry, to fund the construction of the new cathedral.

Aliena is the daughter of Bartholomew, the first Earl of Shiring, and the intended spouse of William Hamleigh. Richard is Aliena's younger brother, a knight who rises through the ranks to become a skilled fighter and commander, reliant on Aliena's wool profits.

William Hamleigh is the son of a modest nobleman who acquires the earldom of Shiring for a short time before losing it to Richard, the son of the previous earl, Bartholomew.

William's father, Percy Hamleigh, deposes the rebel Earl Bartholomew and takes charge of the dukedom. Percy Hamleigh's wife and William's ambitious mother is Regan Hamleigh.

Film Adaptation Of 'The Pillars Of The Earth'

'The Pillars of the Earth' is an eight-episode TV series that began in 2010 and is based on Ken Follett's novel from 1989. For the series, several character modifications were done.

In the series, Waleran is older, and Remigius is younger than in the book. Likewise, the actors portraying Alfred, Jack, Richard, and Aliena are older than the characters in the book.

On July 23, 2010, it premiered on Starz in the United States and The Movie Network or Movie Central in Canada. It premiered on Channel 4 at 9 p.m. in the United Kingdom in October 2010.

The TV series was shortlisted for three Golden Globes at the 68th Annual Golden Globe Awards in 2011. It was nominated for Best Mini-Series, Motion Picture Made for Television, Ian McShane for Lead Actor, and Hayley Atwell for Lead Actress.

Audience Reception

The book was ranked 33rd on the BBC's Big Read, a 2003 poll aimed at assessing the 'Nation's Best-Loved Book.' In 2007, the novel was nominated for Oprah's Book Club in the United States.

The book is first in the Kingsbridge Series; the others are 'World Without End' (2007), a sequel set 150 years later, and 'A Column of Fire' (2017), set in Elizabethan England.

The Pillars Of The Earth's Author

Ken Follett's writing style was based on thriller works before 'The Pillars of the Earth' was published. He read about medieval architecture in preparation for writing and became interested in the cathedral.

Although his publishers were hesitant to publish a book about such an unusual subject, 'The Pillars of the Earth' went on to become a best-selling book. The fictional town of Kingsbridge appears in the novel; Such changes are widely documented in the histories of several real towns, and they are a major theme in late medieval history.

Ken Follett set this work of fiction in Marlborough, Wiltshire, England, because the cathedral of Winchester, Gloucester, and Salisbury were all within a few days' horseback ride from there. The description of Kingsbridge Cathedral is drawn on the cathedrals of Wells and Salisbury.

Follet's argument emphasizes the importance of historical accuracy. When it comes to the medieval period, the concept of historical accuracy is somewhat hazy because most of the material is derived from sources that have been influenced by events that occurred at the time of creation.

Because the sources are fragmented, determining whether a book set in medieval times is representative of the time period is challenging, as our impressions of the period are affected by the materials that have been transferred to us.

FAQs

How would you describe 'Pillars of the Earth'?

'The Pillars of the Earth' is a magnificent work that merges genuine historical individuals and events with imaginary characters and a narrative that transcends both the real and imagined realms.

What's this book about?

'The Pillars of the Earth,' a compelling epic saga of aspiration, instability, and great power set against the immense medieval backdrop of 12th-century England, is Ken Follett's classic historical masterwork. Civil violence, poverty, and religious struggle abound in 1135.

Is 'The Pillars of the Earth' based on fact?

Although 'The Pillars of the Earth' is a fictional story, it contains some historical characters and events, such as King Stephen at the Battle of Lincoln and Thomas Becket's death.

How many episodes are in 'The Pillars of the Earth'?

There are eight episodes in 'The Pillars of the Earth.'

When did 'Pillars of the Earth' take place?

The scenes of 'The Pillars of the Earth' are set in the 12th century.