Pillars of the Earth Books in Order: Kingsbridge Series

Looking for the Pillars of the Earth books in order? This guide covers the Kingsbridge series only, the historical novels set in and around Kingsbridge, England. It is not a complete Ken Follett bibliography.

Below you’ll find two practical reading paths. Start with publication order for the cleanest first-time experience, or use chronological order when you want the timeline laid out from earliest era to latest.

Prefer the full author list beyond Kingsbridge? Start with my Ken Follett books in order guide.

Pillars of the Earth Books in Publication Order

Publication order is the easiest place to begin. It follows the order the books were released, which keeps major reveals intact and reduces the chance of running into spoilers.

Each book jumps to a different era, which makes every entry feel like its own historical chapter. Reading in publication order also strengthens the through-lines that matter most, including returning institutions, long-running rivalries, and family legacies that echo forward.

Pillars of the Earth Books in Chronological Order

Chronological order is the timeline-first way to read the Kingsbridge series. It starts with the prequel set centuries before The Pillars of the Earth, then moves forward through each era as Kingsbridge changes around new generations of characters.

Publication order tends to be the better first read because it matches how the world was introduced and how the payoffs were designed to land. Chronological order works best for readers who want the story history laid out in a straight line, but spoilers are possible as a result.

What Is The Pillars of the Earth Series?

The Pillars of the Earth series is the Kingsbridge set of historical novels by Ken Follett, centered on one English town across very different eras. Rather than keeping the same cast for the entire run, each entry introduces a new group of characters while Kingsbridge remains the constant.

These books are character-driven historical dramas where ordinary lives collide with power. Politics, religion, class, trade, and ambition shape the stakes, and the conflicts usually revolve around tangible pressure points like land, money, status, and the future of the community.

Time jumps are part of the design, which lets each novel stand on its own as a “snapshot” of Kingsbridge in a new age. Reading in order adds an extra layer, because consequences and legacies keep resurfacing in fresh forms.

Prefer the complete author guide beyond Kingsbridge? Read Ken Follett books in order.

Pillars of the Earth Books FAQ

What order should I read the Pillars of the Earth books in?

For most first-time readers, publication order is the best choice because it preserves the intended reveals and keeps you spoiler-light. Chronological order can be a fun alternative when you want the straight timeline across the Kingsbridge eras.

Is The Evening and the Morning a prequel to The Pillars of the Earth?

Yes. It takes place centuries earlier in the Kingsbridge timeline and is designed as a true prequel. Many readers still start with The Pillars of the Earth first since it’s the original entry point and sets the tone for the series.

Can I read the Kingsbridge books as standalones?

Mostly, yes. Each entry jumps to a new era with a new cast, which makes the individual books approachable on their own. Reading in order adds continuity and helps you avoid spoilers tied to legacy characters, institutions, and long-running consequences.

Are the Pillars of the Earth books the same as the Kingsbridge series?

Essentially, yes. “Kingsbridge” is the official series name, but “Pillars of the Earth” is often used as shorthand because it’s the best-known book and the original entry.

Looking for similar books in order?

If you want more authors and reading-order guides like this one, start with my Books in Order index.