Directing the Documentary

View our Ken Follett feature page. Learn more about The Pillars of the Earth miniseries on Starz. A departure for the bestselling thriller writer, this historical epica twelfth-century tale of the building of a mighty Gothic cathedralstunned readers and critics alike with its ambitious scope and gripping humanity From Publishers Weekly Set in 12th-century England, the narrative concerns the building of a cathedral in the fictional town of Kingsbridge. The ambitions of three men merge, conflict and collide through 40 years of social and political upheaval as internal church politics affect the progress of the cathedral and the fortunes of the protagonists. "Follett has written a novel that entertains, instructs and satisfies on a grand scale," judged PW. Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. From Library Journal A radical departure from Follett's novels of international suspense and intrigue, this chronicles the vicissitudes of a prior, his master builder, and their community as they struggle to build a cathedral and protect themselves during the tumultuous 12th century, when the empress Maud and Stephen are fighting for the crown of England after the death of Henry I. The plot is less tightly controlled than those in Follett's contemporary works, and despite the wealth of historical detail, especially concerning architecture and construction, much of the language as well as the psychology of the characters and their relationships remains firmly rooted in the 20th century. This will appeal more to lovers of exciting adventure stories than true devotees of historical fiction. Literary Guild dual main selection. - Cynthia Johnson Whealler, Cary Memorial Lib., Lexington, Mass. Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.