Where to start withThe Pillars of the Earth
2 versions · originally a book, 1989
Themes: Cathedral Building, Political Intrigue, Good vs Evil, Social Mobility, Architectural History.
Start with The Pillars of the Earth (Ken Follett, 1989) — the book. The Pillars of the Earth exists in 2 versions across media, beginning as a book in 1989; each is ranked below by what it does best.
The Pillars of the Earth has more than one version — here's where most fans start, and what each offers.
✦ Most fans start here
The Pillars of the Earth (1989)
The original novel
✦ Start hereThe Pillars of the Earth
Ken Follett · Book · 1989
The original novel, 1989.
2010 series
The Pillars of the Earth
Sergio Mimica-Gezzan · Series · 2010
2010 series, 2010.
Common questions
Is The Pillars of the Earth book better than the 2010 TV adaptation?
The Pillars of the Earth book, published in 1989, provides the original narrative depth and character development that the 2010 television adaptation condenses. While both versions cover the same story, the book offers a more comprehensive experience of the historical setting compared to the visual miniseries format.
Should I read The Pillars of the Earth before watching the 2010 television series?
Reading The Pillars of the Earth book first allows you to fully appreciate the intricate world-building and character arcs established in 1989. The 2010 television series serves as a visual companion to the source material, but the original novel contains extensive details not fully captured in the screen adaptation.
What is the original source material for the 2010 television series The Pillars of the Earth?
The 2010 television series is an adaptation of the 1989 novel titled The Pillars of the Earth. The show translates the primary events and historical drama found within the book into a miniseries format, maintaining the core narrative focus of the original literary work.
How long has The Pillars of the Earth been in print?
The Pillars of the Earth was first published as a book in 1989. Since its initial release, the story has remained a significant historical novel, eventually leading to the production of the 2010 television adaptation that brought the narrative to a new audience through a different medium.