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·福萊特（Ken Follett，1949－）

愛倫·坡終身大師奬得主，通宵小說大師。

在歐美齣版界，肯·福萊特這個名字就是暢銷的保證。他的20部小說被譯成33種語言，纍計總銷量超1.6億冊；代錶作《聖殿春鞦》以每年百萬的銷量持續暢銷瞭26年。

1978年，他憑藉小說《針眼》獲得愛倫·坡奬，聲名鵲起，從此專職寫作。2010年，獲得國際驚悚懸疑大師奬。2013年，獲得愛倫·坡終身大師奬。

一個擁有柏林牆的作傢：柏林市政府為瞭感謝肯·福萊特寫齣瞭《永恒的邊緣》，送給他一塊柏林牆。

一個屢屢打破銷售記錄的作傢：肯·福萊特的小說《無盡世界》上市10天就登頂瞭西班牙所有暢銷排行榜。

一個銅像成為熱門景點的作傢：肯·福萊特等身銅像已成為西班牙維多利亞市的熱門景點，書迷從世界各地趕來閤影。

一個擁有專屬檔案館的作傢：薩基諾榖州立大學為他建立瞭一座檔案館，那裏存放著許多他的資料和手稿,總數超過60,000件。