From Publishers Weekly

With this book, Follett risks all and comes out a clear winner, escaping the narrow genre of suspense thrillers to take credit for a historical novel of gripping readability, authentic atmosphere and detail and memorable characterization. Set in 12th-century England, the narrative concerns the building of a cathedral in the fictional town of Kingsbridge. The ambitions of three men merge, conflict and collide through four decades during which social and political upheaval and the internal politics of the church affect the progress of the cathedral and the fortunes of the protagonists. The insightful portrayals of an idealistic master builder, a pious, dogmatic but compassionate prior and an unscrupulous, ruthless bishop are balanced by those of a trio of independent, resourceful women (one of them quite loathesome) who can stand on their own as memorable characters in any genre. Beginning with a mystery that casts its shadow on ensuing events, the narrative is a seesaw of tension in which circumstances change with shocking but true-to-life unpredictability. Follett's impeccable pacing builds suspense in a balanced narrative that offers action, intrigue, violence and passion as well as the step-by-step description of an edifice rising in slow stages, its progress tied to the vicissitudes of fortune and the permutations of evolving architectural style. Follett's depiction of the precarious balance of power between monarchy and religion in the Middle Ages, and of the effects of social upheavals and the forces of nature (storms, famines) on political events; his ability to convey the fine points of architecture so that the cathedral becomes clearly visualized in the reader's mind; and above all, his portrayals of the enduring human emotions of ambition, greed, bravery, dedication, revenge and love, result in a highly engrossing narrative. Manipulating a complex plot in which the characters interact against a broad canvas of medieval life, Follett has written a novel that entertains, instructs and satisfies on a grand scale. 400,000 first printing; $400,000 ad/promo; Literary Guild main dual selection; author tour.

Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Library Journal

A radical departure from Follett's novels of international suspense and intrigue, this chronicles the vicissitudes of a prior, his master builder, and their community as they struggle to build a cathedral and protect themselves during the tumultuous 12th century, when the empress Maud and Stephen are fighting for the crown of England after the death of Henry I. The plot is less tightly controlled than those in Follett's contemporary works, and despite the wealth of historical detail, especially concerning architecture and construction, much of the language as well as the psychology of the characters and their relationships remains firmly rooted in the 20th century. This will appeal more to lovers of exciting adventure stories than true devotees of historical fiction. Literary Guild dual main selection.

- Cynthia Johnson Whealler, Cary Memorial Lib., Lexington, Mass.

Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

肯·福莱特（Ken Follett，1949－）

爱伦·坡终身大师奖得主，通宵小说大师。

在欧美出版界，肯·福莱特这个名字就是畅销的保证。他的20部小说被译成33种语言，累计总销量超1.6亿册；代表作《圣殿春秋》以每年百万的销量持续畅销了26年。

1978年，他凭借小说《针眼》获得爱伦·坡奖，声名鹊起，从此专职写作。2010年，获得国际惊悚悬疑大师奖。2013年，获得爱伦·坡终身大师奖。

一个拥有柏林墙的作家：柏林市政府为了感谢肯·福莱特写出了《永恒的边缘》，送给他一块柏林墙。

一个屡屡打破销售记录的作家：肯·福莱特的小说《无尽世界》上市10天就登顶了西班牙所有畅销排行榜。

一个铜像成为热门景点的作家：肯·福莱特等身铜像已成为西班牙维多利亚市的热门景点，书迷从世界各地赶来合影。

一个拥有专属档案馆的作家：萨基诺谷州立大学为他建立了一座档案馆，那里存放着许多他的资料和手稿,总数超过60,000件。