If you loved
The Pillars of the Earth
Ken Follett · Book · 1989
What hooked you in The Pillars of the Earth was the way grand historical ambition is built upon the intimate, grinding struggles of individuals.
Start with the source
Adaptation
The Pillars of the Earth
Sergio Mimica-Gezzan · Series · 2010
Films on the same thread
Out of Africa
Sydney Pollack · Film · 1985
Much like the sweeping construction efforts in The Pillars of the Earth, this film captures the immense personal sacrifice required when building a new life within a complex, changing landscape.
The Physician
Philipp Stölzl · Film · 2013
Fans of The Pillars of the Earth will recognize the relentless pursuit of a singular, monumental goal against the backdrop of a harsh and unforgiving medieval world.
Kingdom of Heaven
Film · 2005
If the political maneuvering and medieval atmosphere of The Pillars of the Earth captivated you, you will appreciate how this story thrusts ordinary people into dangerous, high-stakes power struggles.
The Name of the Rose
Jean-Jacques Annaud · Film · 1986
This mystery mirrors the ecclesiastical tension found in The Pillars of the Earth, focusing on how individuals navigate the corrupt power structures and shifting religious authorities of the Middle Ages.
Series on the same thread
Downton Abbey
Julian Fellowes · Series · 2010
Those who enjoyed the rigid social hierarchies and shifting class dynamics in The Pillars of the Earth will find this deep dive into British lineage and domestic politics equally absorbing.
The Bible
Series · 2013
The epic scale and focus on faith and struggle that define The Pillars of the Earth are central to this retelling of foundational history and the human experience.
11.22.63
Series · 2016
While the setting differs, the moral dilemmas and the weight of history impacting personal choices will resonate with those who admired the complex character arcs in The Pillars of the Earth.
The Crown
Peter Morgan · Series · 2016
The intricate political intrigue and the burden of legacy depicted in The Pillars of the Earth are echoed here, as the British monarchy navigates the pressures of a changing world.
Podcasts on the same thread
Revolutions
Mike Duncan · Podcast · 2025
Readers of The Pillars of the Earth will appreciate this analytical look at how structural power dynamics and societal collapse influence the lives of those caught in the tide of history.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Ascension · Podcast · 2026
The dedication to long-form storytelling and the exploration of faith found in The Pillars of the Earth find a modern, scholarly counterpart in this immersive guide to ancient texts.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is The Pillars of the Earth based on actual historical events?
Yes, The Pillars of the Earth is a historical novel set in 12th-century England. It spans the period between the sinking of the White Ship and the murder of Thomas Becket, focusing primarily on the historical era known as the Anarchy while centered on the town of Kingsbridge.
When was the novel The Pillars of the Earth first published?
The Pillars of the Earth was written by Welsh author Ken Follett and first published in 1989. The story details the construction of a cathedral and the evolution of Gothic architecture during the 12th century in the fictional English town of Kingsbridge.
Is there a television adaptation of The Pillars of the Earth?
Yes, there is a television adaptation of The Pillars of the Earth released in 2010. It is based on the 1989 novel by Ken Follett, which follows the building of a cathedral in the fictional town of Kingsbridge during the 12th century.
Does The Pillars of the Earth focus on the development of architecture?
Yes, The Pillars of the Earth traces the development of Gothic architecture as a central theme. The plot revolves around the construction of a cathedral in the fictional town of Kingsbridge, England, during the 12th century, set against the backdrop of the period known as the Anarchy.