Where to start
The Pillars of the Earth
2 versions · originally a book, 1989
Ken Follett’s medieval saga masterfully intertwines the architectural ambition of cathedral construction with the brutal political power struggles of twelfth-century England.
✦ Most fans start here
The Pillars of the Earth (1989)
The original novel
✦ Start hereThe Pillars of the Earth
Ken Follett · Book · 1989
The Pillars of the Earth (1989) is the definitive source material, offering a sprawling narrative that explores the intricate technical details of masonry and the deep psychological motivations of its sprawling cast.
2010 series
The Pillars of the Earth
Sergio Mimica-Gezzan · Series · 2010
The Pillars of the Earth (2010) serves as a visual adaptation that condenses the expansive novel into a visceral, fast-paced miniseries, emphasizing the atmospheric tension of religious strife and medieval power dynamics.
Common questions
Is The Pillars of the Earth book better than the 2010 TV adaptation?
The 1989 book The Pillars of the Earth provides a much more detailed narrative experience than the 2010 television series. While the show captures the core plot, the original novel offers deeper character development and historical context that the limited runtime of the adaptation cannot fully replicate.
What order should I consume The Pillars of the Earth materials?
It is recommended to start with the 1989 book The Pillars of the Earth to experience the complete story as intended by the author. Once you have finished the novel, you can watch the 2010 television adaptation to see how the production team translated the book to the screen.
Is the 2010 TV version of The Pillars of the Earth a faithful adaptation?
The 2010 television production of The Pillars of the Earth is considered a faithful adaptation of the 1989 book. It covers the primary events and central conflicts found in the source material, though it necessarily condenses certain plot points to fit the format of a television miniseries.
How long is the 2010 TV version of The Pillars of the Earth?
The 2010 television miniseries adaptation of The Pillars of the Earth consists of eight episodes. This production covers the extensive timeline of the original 1989 book, focusing on the construction of the cathedral and the surrounding political and personal struggles depicted in the source material.