
Ken Follett is a Welsh author of thrillers and historical novels who has sold more than 188 million copies of his works. Born in 1949, Follett gained worldwide recognition with his spy thriller "Eye of the Needle" (1978). His epic historical novel "The Pillars of the Earth" (1989) became an international phenomenon, selling over 27 million copies and spawning a beloved series set in the fictional town of Kingsbridge. The novel was adapted into an Emmy Award-winning miniseries. Follett's meticulous research, sweeping narratives, and memorable characters have made him one of the world's most popular authors. His books span medieval cathedral building, Tudor intrigue, WWI, WWII, and the Cold War.
3 books
The Century Trilogy follows five interrelated families—American, German, Russian, English, and Welsh—through the tumultuous 20th century. Spanning WWI, the Russian Revolution, WWII, and the Cold War, the trilogy explores how major historical events affect ordinary people across generations and continents.
5 books
The Kingsbridge series spans over 1,000 years of English history centered on the fictional town of Kingsbridge. From medieval cathedral building to Tudor religious conflict, each book explores different eras through the lives of builders, monks, nobles, and ordinary people caught up in historical events. "The Pillars of the Earth" is considered one of the greatest historical novels ever written.
This is the recommended reading order based on the story timeline.