The Pillars of the Earth Summary
Ken Follett

The Pillars of the Earth Overview

The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett combines actual history with the tale of Tom Builder who wishes to build a cathedral in twelfth century Kingsbridge, England. Tom’s obsession with trying to build a cathedral creates some major problems for his family – they must survive in the forest with little food and, eventually, Tom’s wife dies. Finally, Tom is given the chance to build a cathedral and provide for his new family, but he is caught in a political battle with the Hamleigh family. After Tom’s death, his stepson Jack continues building the cathedral and surpasses Tom’s wildest expectations with its design and construction.