Welsh author of thrillers and historical novels The Key to Rebecca, Lie Down with Lions, Triple, and Worlds Without End – 4 number 1 ranking on the New York Times bestseller list The Pillars of the Earth is a historical novel by Ken Follett published in 1989 about the building of a cathedral The Pillars of the Earth became Follett’s best-selling work Set during the reign of King Stephen and the Anarchy, the novel explores themes of intrigue and conspiracy Jack Jackson Son of Ellen a clever young architect and stonemason Aliena Daughter to the Earl of Shiring she becomes the lover/wife of Jack. She is very beautiful Prior Philip A resourceful and dedicated monk dreams to see Kingsbridge rise to greatness is the benevolent ruler of Kingsbridge Tom Builder A penniless builder and architect His lifelong dream is to build a cathedral Loyal and hardworking Ellen: Very literate woman mother of Jack Jackson she lives in the woods and is considered by some to be a witch William Hamleigh The son of a minor lord is in love with Aliena Is sadistic and cruel lives for power and revenge Bishop Waleran Bigod ambitious, devious, and corrupt cleric constantly schemes his ways into more power. plots with William to bring about Philip's and Aliena's downfall Alfred , Martha and Jonathanchildren of Tom and Agnes Percy and Regan Hamleigh – parents of William King Stephen Follett, K.: The Pillars of the Earth. London : Pan Books, 2007 http://www.enotes.com/ken-follettsalem/ken-follett-9810003199
