Ken Follett stands as one of the world’s most beloved and bestselling authors, with more than 198 million copies of his 38 books sold across over 80 countries in 40 languages. From gripping World War II thrillers to sweeping medieval epics spanning centuries, Follett has mastered the art of bringing history to life through unforgettable characters and meticulously researched storytelling.
His breakthrough came with the 1978 spy thriller Eye of the Needle, which won the Edgar Award and sold over 10 million copies. However, it was his 1989 masterpiece, The Pillars of the Earth, that transformed him into a literary phenomenon. This epic tale of cathedral building in 12th-century England became an international bestseller, was selected for Oprah’s Book Club, and launched the beloved Kingsbridge series, which has sold over 50 million copies worldwide.
At 75 years old, Follett shows no signs of slowing down. His most recent novel, Circle of Days, was published in September 2025, exploring the ancient mystery of Stonehenge. Whether you’re drawn to medieval cathedrals, 20th-century warfare, or contemporary geopolitical thrillers, Follett’s extensive bibliography offers something for every reader.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. We earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.About Ken Follett
Who is Ken Follett?
Kenneth Martin Follett is a Welsh author of thrillers and historical novels, widely considered one of the world’s most beloved and bestselling authors. Where is Ken Follett from? He was born on June 5, 1949, in Cardiff, Wales. Where does Ken Follett live? Follett currently lives in Hertfordshire, England (specifically Stevenage), with his wife Barbara.
Early Life and Background
Born as the son of a tax inspector, young Ken was raised in a strict Plymouth Brethren household. His parents barred him and his siblings from watching television and films, which led to his early development of a passion for reading.
Follett graduated from University College London in 1970 with an honors degree in philosophy. He was made a Fellow of the College in 1995. Who is married to Ken Follett? He is married to Barbara Follett (formerly Barbara Broer), a former Labour Party official who served as a Member of Parliament for Stevenage from 1997 to 2010. They married in 1984. Between them, they have five children, six grandchildren, and three Labradors.
Writing Career
After graduation, Follett worked as a reporter for the South Wales Echo in Cardiff, then moved to London to work for the Evening News. Finding journalism unchallenging, he joined Everest Books as deputy managing director while writing fiction in his spare time.
Legend has it that Follett began writing novels when he needed £200 to fix his car, the exact amount a fellow journalist had been paid as an advance for a thriller. His first published works appeared under pseudonyms, such as Simon Myles, but success eluded him until 1978.
That year, Eye of the Needle became an international sensation, selling over 10 million copies and winning the prestigious Edgar Award for Best Novel. The book was adapted into a successful film starring Donald Sutherland. At just 29, Follett became a millionaire and one of Britain’s most celebrated thriller writers.
The Transformation to Historical Fiction
In 1989, Follett took a dramatic creative risk with The Pillars of the Earth, departing from spy thrillers to write an epic historical novel about the construction of a cathedral in medieval England. Publishers were skeptical, but the book became his greatest triumph. It spent 18 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, was selected for Oprah’s Book Club, and has been translated into dozens of languages.
This success allowed Follett the freedom to pursue ambitious projects. He created the Kingsbridge series, spanning nearly a thousand years of English history, and the Century Trilogy, which follows five families through the tumultuous 20th century.
Awards and Recognition
Follett’s work has earned numerous accolades:
- 1979 Edgar Award for Eye of the Needle
- 2003 Corine Literature Prize for Jackdaws
- 2013 Grand Master of the Edgar Awards from Mystery Writers of America
- 2018 Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to literature
- 2018 Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature
- Multiple honorary doctorates from universities worldwide
Writing Style and Approach
Follett’s novels are characterized by meticulous historical research, complex plotting, and memorable characters. He excels at creating strong female protagonists who appeal to readers across demographics. His straightforward prose style makes his books accessible despite their often epic scope and intricate details.
Whether writing about medieval cathedral builders, WWII spies, or 20th-century political upheaval, Follett combines historical authenticity with page-turning suspense. His books are thoroughly researched, yet never feel like history lessons. Instead, they immerse readers in the sights, sounds, and tensions of their eras.
Ken Follett Books in Order
What order should I read Ken Follett’s books? This depends on which series interests you most. Here’s the complete guide:
The Ken Follett Kingsbridge Series in Order
What is the Ken Follett Kingsbridge series? The Kingsbridge series follows the fictional English town of Kingsbridge across nearly a thousand years of history.
Setting: England, from the Dark Ages through the Industrial Revolution
Number of Books: 5 books published (2020-2023)
What it’s about: Each book stands alone but shares the common thread of ordinary people caught up in extraordinary historical events.
Note: While five books have been published, Follett has not definitively closed the series. Future additions to the Kingsbridge saga remain possible.
Ken Follett Pillars of the Earth Series Order (Chronological – Recommended):
- The Evening and the Morning (2020) – 997 CE
Set at the end of the Dark Ages, this prequel follows a boatbuilder, a Norman noblewoman, and a capable monk as they navigate Viking raids, corrupt bishops, and the foundations of what will become Kingsbridge. - The Pillars of the Earth (1989) – 1135-1153
Follett’s masterpiece follows the construction of a magnificent cathedral during England’s civil war period, known as the Anarchy. Mason Tom Builder dreams of creating something extraordinary, while Prior Philip fights political and religious rivals. - World Without End (2007) – 1327-1361
Two centuries after the cathedral’s completion, Kingsbridge faces the Black Death and the Hundred Years’ War. The priory and town struggle with medicine, commerce, and changing social structures. - A Column of Fire (2017) – 1558-1606
In the Elizabethan era, Ned Willard returns to Kingsbridge to find England torn by religious conflict. He becomes a spy in Elizabeth I’s newly formed secret service, navigating assassination plots and European intrigue. - The Armour of Light (2023) – 1792 onwards
As revolution sweeps Europe and Napoleon rises to power, Kingsbridge enters the Industrial Revolution. The novel explores the clash between progress and tradition as war engulfs the continent.
Why this series is special:
- Spans nearly 1,000 years of English history
- Each book works as a standalone
- Meticulously researched historical settings
- Complex, multi-generational storytelling
- Strong emphasis on social change and progress
- Adapted for television (The Pillars of the Earth and World Without End)
The Ken Follett Century Trilogy in Order
Setting: Global (Britain, Germany, Russia, United States, Wales)
Number of Books: 3 books (complete)
Main Families: Five interrelated families across four countries
Time Period: 1911-1989
Ken Follett Trilogy Order:
- Fall of Giants (2010) – World War I, 1911-1924
Beginning with King George V’s coronation, the novel follows a Welsh mining family, English aristocrats, a German diplomat, Russian brothers, and an American aide to President Wilson through WWI and the Russian Revolution. - Winter of the World (2012) – World War II, 1933-1949
The next generation faces the rise of fascism, WWII, and the dawn of the atomic age. From Hitler’s Germany to the Spanish Civil War, from Pearl Harbor to Hiroshima, characters navigate love and survival in history’s bloodiest conflict. - Edge of Eternity (2014) – The Cold War, 1961-1989
The trilogy concludes with the Cold War, the civil rights movement, Vietnam, and the fall of the Berlin Wall. Characters fight for freedom in East Germany, join the civil rights movement in America, and witness the space race.
Why this trilogy is compelling:
- Five interconnected families across continents
- Major 20th-century events through personal stories
- Explores themes of power, freedom, and social justice
- Thoroughly researched political and military history
- Balances epic scope with intimate character moments
Ken Follett Standalone Novels
In addition to his series, Follett has written numerous acclaimed standalone novels:
World War II Thrillers:
- Eye of the Needle (1978) – Follett’s breakthrough novel about a German spy in wartime Britain who discovers the Allies’ D-Day plans. A woman on a remote Scottish island becomes the only thing standing between him and Nazi Germany.
- Jackdaws (2001) – An all-female British Special Operations team parachutes into occupied France to sabotage a vital German telephone exchange before D-Day. Won the 2003 Corine Literature Prize.
- Hornet Flight (2002) – A young Danish couple escapes occupied Denmark in a rebuilt Hornet Moth biplane with critical intelligence about German radar installations.
Victorian and Earlier:
- A Dangerous Fortune (1993) – A gripping Victorian tale set in 1866 involving banking, South American intrigue, and a mysterious drowning that haunts characters for decades.
- A Place Called Freedom (1995) – From Scottish coal mines to American plantations, this novel follows a Scottish miner’s fight for freedom in the 1760s.
- Night Over Water (1991) – Set aboard a luxury Pan American Clipper flying from England to America in 1939, as war breaks out and passengers carry dangerous secrets.
Cold War and Contemporary:
- The Third Twin (1996) – A contemporary thriller about a scientist who discovers a secret genetic engineering experiment. The TV rights sold for a record $1.4 million.
- The Hammer of Eden (1998) – A contemporary suspense novel about a seismology professor and an FBI agent racing to prevent a terrorist earthquake.
- Code to Zero (2000) – A Cold War thriller set in 1958 involving brainwashing, rocket science, and the space race.
- Whiteout (2004) – A contemporary thriller about a deadly virus stolen from a research lab during a Christmas Eve blizzard in Scotland.
- Never (2021) – A modern geopolitical thriller about international conflict and nuclear brinkmanship.
- Circle of Days (2025) – Follett’s most recent work.
Other Works:
- On Wings of Eagles (1984) – A true story of Ross Perot’s daring rescue of two employees from Iran during the 1979 revolution.
- Notre-Dame (2019) – A short non-fiction work reflecting on the cathedral’s history after the 2019 fire.
Ken Follett New Book & Latest Releases
Latest Release: Circle of Days (September 2025)
Circle of Days is Ken Follett’s most recent novel, published on September 23, 2025. This deeply researched work explores one of history’s greatest mysteries: the building of Stonehenge. The novel follows Seft, a talented flint miner, and Joia, a priestess with a vision, as they navigate the rituals and power struggles of prehistoric Britain around 3000 BCE.
This is Follett’s latest work following The Armour of Light (2023).
Recent Ken Follett Books:
- Circle of Days (2025) – Latest release
- The Armour of Light (2023) – Fifth Kingsbridge novel
- Never (2021) – Contemporary thriller
- The Evening and the Morning (2020) – Kingsbridge prequel
Publishing Pace
Ken Follett typically publishes a major novel every two to three years, taking time for the extensive research his books require. At 75, he shows no signs of slowing down and continues to work on new projects.
Which Ken Follett Book to Read First?
Best First Book
Recommendation: The Pillars of the Earth
This is Follett’s most famous work for good reason. It’s accessible, engaging, and showcases everything he does best: vivid historical detail, memorable characters, political intrigue, and a plot that keeps you turning pages despite its 900+ page length. Even readers who don’t typically enjoy historical fiction find themselves captivated.
If You Want…
Fast-paced spy thrills: Start with Eye of the Needle
Medieval history and cathedral building: Start with The Pillars of the Earth
20th-century epic spanning WWI to Cold War: Start with Fall of Giants
WWII action and suspense: Start with Jackdaws
Tudor intrigue and espionage: Start with A Column of Fire
Shorter introduction (under 400 pages): Start with Eye of the Needle or The Key to Rebecca
Contemporary thriller: Start with Never
Best Ken Follett Books
The “best” Ken Follett book depends on your preferences, but here are the most acclaimed:
Top 5 Ken Follett Books:
- The Pillars of the Earth (1989) – His most famous and bestselling work. Epic medieval drama about building a cathedral.
- Eye of the Needle (1978) – His breakthrough thriller. Taut WWII spy story that won the Edgar Award.
- Fall of Giants (2010) – First of the Century Trilogy. Sweeping WWI epic following five families.
- World Without End (2007) – Sequel to Pillars. Medieval England during the Black Death and Hundred Years’ War.
- A Column of Fire (2017) – Elizabethan espionage and religious conflict.
Other Highly Rated Ken Follett Books:
- Jackdaws (WWII thriller with female protagonists)
- Winter of the World (WWII in the Century Trilogy)
- The Evening and the Morning (Kingsbridge prequel)
- A Dangerous Fortune (Victorian thriller)
- Never (Contemporary geopolitical thriller)
What Order Should I Read Ken Follett Books?
Reading Order by Series:
Kingsbridge Series (Chronological Order – Recommended):
- The Evening and the Morning (2020)
- The Pillars of the Earth (1989)
- World Without End (2007)
- A Column of Fire (2017)
- The Armour of Light (2023)
Century Trilogy (Must Read in Order):
- Fall of Giants (2010)
- Winter of the World (2012)
- Edge of Eternity (2014)
Standalone novels can be read in any order.
Complete Ken Follett Books in Publication Order:
1970s:
- Eye of the Needle (1978)
- Triple (1979)
1980s:
- The Key to Rebecca (1980)
- The Man from St. Petersburg (1982)
- On Wings of Eagles (1983)
- Lie Down with Lions (1986)
- The Pillars of the Earth (1989)
1990s:
- Night Over Water (1991)
- A Dangerous Fortune (1993)
- A Place Called Freedom (1995)
- The Third Twin (1996)
- The Hammer of Eden (1998)
2000s:
- Code to Zero (2000)
- Jackdaws (2001)
- Hornet Flight (2002)
- Whiteout (2004)
- World Without End (2007)
2010s:
- Fall of Giants (2010)
- Winter of the World (2012)
- Edge of Eternity (2014)
- A Column of Fire (2017)
- Notre-Dame (2019)
2020s:
- The Evening and the Morning (2020)
- Never (2021)
- The Armour of Light (2023)
- Circle of Days (2025)
Books by Time Period
Dark Ages / Viking Age
- The Evening and the Morning (997 CE)
Medieval Era (12th-14th Century)
- The Pillars of the Earth (1135-1153)
- World Without End (1327-1361)
Elizabethan Era
- A Column of Fire (1558-1606)
18th Century
- A Place Called Freedom (1760s)
Victorian Era
- A Dangerous Fortune (1866-1890s)
Napoleonic Wars / Industrial Revolution
- The Armour of Light (1792 onwards)
World War I
- Fall of Giants (1911-1924)
Inter-War and WWII
- Winter of the World (1933-1949)
- Eye of the Needle (WWII)
- Jackdaws (WWII, D-Day)
- Hornet Flight (WWII, Denmark)
Cold War
- Edge of Eternity (1961-1989)
- Code to Zero (1958)
Contemporary
- The Third Twin (1990s)
- The Hammer of Eden (1990s)
- Whiteout (2000s)
- Never (present day)
What to Read If You Like Ken Follett
Who writes like Ken Follett? If you enjoy Follett’s work, try these similar authors:
- Bernard Cornwell – Like Follett, Cornwell excels at writing military historical fiction, thanks to meticulous research. Try his Saxon Stories (The Last Kingdom series) for a compelling portrayal of medieval warfare.
- Conn Iggulden – Another British master of epic historical fiction. His Emperor series (Julius Caesar) and Conqueror series (Genghis Khan) offer similar scope and battle scenes.
- Edward Rutherfurd – Known for multi-generational epics following locations through centuries. Try Sarum, London, or Paris for Follett-style sweeping historical narratives.
- James Michener – American author of massive historical epics. His books, like Centennial and Chesapeake, share Follett’s approach of following a place through time.
- Philippa Gregory – For readers who loved A Column of Fire‘s Tudor setting, Gregory’s extensive Tudor Court series offers a similar historical depth, with a greater focus on women’s perspectives.
- Sharon Kay Penman – a medieval specialist whose books on the Plantagenet era offer the same level of historical authenticity as those of Follett’s medieval works.
Ken Follett Movies and TV Adaptations
Ken Follett’s novels have been adapted numerous times for the screen:
Television Mini-Series
- The Pillars of the Earth (2010) – An 8-part mini-series starring Rufus Sewell, Ian McShane, and Matthew Macfadyen. Filmed in Hungary and Austria, the series brought the medieval epic to life.
- World Without End (2012) – An 8-part continuation following the success of Pillars, set during the Black Death.
- The Key to Rebecca (1985) – WWII espionage thriller set in North Africa.
- On Wings of Eagles (1986) – Based on the true story of Ross Perot’s rescue mission.
- Lie Down with Lions (1994) – Starring Timothy Dalton and Omar Sharif.
- The Third Twin (1997) – Starring Kelly McGillis and Larry Hagman.
- A Dangerous Fortune (2016) – British television adaptation.
Film
- Eye of the Needle (1981) – Acclaimed film starring Donald Sutherland and Kate Nelligan, directed by Richard Marquand.
Video Games
- Ken Follett’s The Pillars of the Earth (2017-2018) – An interactive adventure game developed by Daedalic Entertainment, released in three parts.
Stage
- The Pillars of the Earth and A Column of Fire have both been adapted into Danish-language musicals.
How to Pronounce Ken Follett
How do you pronounce Ken Follett?
Ken Follett’s name is pronounced: KEN FAH-let
- First name: “Ken” (like the name)
- Last name: “FAH-let” (emphasis on the first syllable, rhymes with “wallet”)
The surname is pronounced with a short ‘o’ sound, not “Foe-let” or “Fol-LET.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Ken Follett?
Ken Follett is 75 years old. He was born on June 5, 1949, in Cardiff, Wales.
Is Ken Follett still alive?
Yes, Ken Follett is alive and continues to write actively. His most recent novel, Circle of Days, was published in September 2025.
How many books has Ken Follett written?
Ken Follett has written 38 books throughout his career, including the Kingsbridge series, Century Trilogy, and numerous standalone thrillers and historical novels. This count includes novels published under his own name (not counting early works published under pseudonyms in the 1970s).
How many books has Ken Follett sold?
Ken Follett has sold more than 198 million copies of his books worldwide, making him one of the bestselling authors of all time. His works are available in over 80 countries and have been translated into 40 languages.
What is Ken Follett’s best book?
The Pillars of the Earth is widely considered Follett’s masterpiece and remains his bestselling work. However, “best” is a subjective term. Thriller fans might prefer Eye of the Needle, while readers interested in 20th-century history may find Fall of Giants more compelling.
Which Ken Follett book to read first?
For most readers, The Pillars of the Earth is the best starting point. It showcases Follett at his finest and is accessible to readers new to historical fiction. For thriller fans, Eye of the Needle is an excellent entry point.
What order should I read Ken Follett’s books?
The Kingsbridge series can be read in chronological order (starting with The Evening and the Morning) or publication order. The Century Trilogy must be read in sequence: Fall of Giants, Winter of the World, Edge of Eternity. Standalone novels can be read in any order.
What are the three books in the Ken Follett trilogy?
The Century Trilogy consists of three books: Fall of Giants (2010), Winter of the World (2012), and Edge of Eternity (2014). These books follow five families through World War I, World War II, and the Cold War.
Is Ken Follett historically accurate?
Follett is renowned for meticulous historical research. While his characters are fictional, the historical settings, events, and social conditions are thoroughly researched and generally accurate. He sometimes takes creative liberties for narrative purposes, but never at the expense of the period’s essential truth.
What time periods does Ken Follett write about?
Follett has written about nearly every major period from the Dark Ages to the present day. His work covers the Viking Age, medieval England, Elizabethan era, Victorian England, both World Wars, the Cold War, and contemporary times.
Where is Ken Follett from?
Ken Follett was born in Cardiff, Wales, on June 5, 1949.
Where does Ken Follett live?
Ken Follett currently lives in Hertfordshire, England.
Who is married to Ken Follett?
Ken Follett is married to Barbara Broer (now Barbara Follett), whom he married in 1984. She is a former Labour Party official who served as a Member of Parliament from 1997 to 2010, representing the Stevenage constituency.
Has Ken Follett won any awards?
Yes, numerous awards, including the 1979 Edgar Award for Eye of the Needle, the 2003 Corine Literature Prize for Jackdaws, the 2013 Grand Master of the Edgar Awards, the 2018 Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), and the 2018 Fellowship of the Royal Society of Literature.
Are Ken Follett’s books being made into movies or TV shows?
Several Follett novels have been adapted. Most notably, The Pillars of the Earth and World Without End were successful mini-series. Eye of the Needle was an acclaimed 1981 film. A Dangerous Fortune was adapted into a film in 2016.
Conclusion
Ken Follett stands as one of the giants of modern historical fiction and thriller writing. With over 35 novels, 195 million copies sold, and a career spanning nearly five decades, his journey from struggling writer to international bestseller is a testament to his storytelling genius and dedication to craft.
Whether you’re drawn to the medieval grandeur of the Kingsbridge series, the 20th-century scope of the Century Trilogy, or the taut suspense of his WWII thrillers, Follett offers something for every reader. His books educate while they entertain, combining meticulous research with page-turning plots and unforgettable characters.
For readers new to historical fiction, Follett provides an accessible entry point. His straightforward prose and engaging narratives make even complex historical periods feel immediate and relevant. For longtime fans of the genre, he offers depth, authenticity, and scope that few can match.
Ready to start your Ken Follett reading journey? Begin with The Pillars of the Earth for epic medieval drama, Eye of the Needle for thriller excellence, or Fall of Giants for a sweeping 20th-century historical narrative. With over 35 novels to explore, you’ll have reading material for years to come.
