Ken Follett

Ken Follett is an internationally acclaimed author of fiction and nonfiction whose career spans four decades and more than a hundred million copies sold. Born in Cardiff, Wales, Follett has published best-selling novels such as The Pillars of the Earth, World Without End, and Edge of Eternity, as well as a handful of acclaimed nonfiction titles. He has also released several super successful historical works, such as A Place Called Freedom and Fall of Giants, that have become some of the most popular books of all time.

The Pillars of the Earth is by far Follett’s most famous novel and is a cornerstone of his body of work. This book follows the construction of a cathedral in a fictional 12th century English town called Kingsbridge, as well as its inhabitants. Although focused around the construction of the cathedral and its consequences, the novel also touches upon themes such as rebellion, royal intrigue, war, love, and other aspects of life during this time period. The Pillars of the Earth is widely considered to be one of Follett’s most successful novels and has won numerous awards including the 1989 Independent Mystery Booksellers Association Best Novel Award, the 1989 Los Angeles Times Book Prize, and the 1990 Schweitzer Literary Prize.

World Without End is a sequel to The Pillars of the Earth that takes place in the same town centuries later in the 14th century. Although historically accurate for its time period, this novel has been criticized for employing certain dramatic liberties in order to make the story exciting. Nonetheless, the book won the 2009 Icon Award for Outstanding Achievement and once again reaffirmed Follett’s amazing ability to evoke historical settings.

Edge of Eternity is a historical saga set in five different time periods between World War Two and the second decade of this century. This tome follows the interrelated families of the Pontevechio’s, Khrushchev’s, Kennedy’s, and Reagan’s in order to give readers an understanding of the Cold War and the other major events of the past 60-odd years. Edge of Eternity utilizes immense detail and dozens of characters to create an intricately woven tapestry of the 20th century.

Follett has also released a number of nonfiction titles. Aside from several works focusing on the history and politics of Wales, Follett has written an encyclopedia of world history specifically targeting children and a book covering the development of computer technology and its application to society.

Ken Follett can certainly be seen as one of the most successful and prolific authors of our time. He has managed to write critically and financially successful works of fiction and nonfiction, as well as has been able to span multiple time periods, locations, and themes. His books have sold tens of millions of copies and have won numerous awards. Consequently, reading any of Follett’s titles is sure to be a joyful and enriching experience.