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Kingsbridge Reading Order.

Authorby Ken Follett
5 Entries
Quick Answer

Start with The Pillars of the Earth (1989). Each book stands alone and is set centuries apart.

The provided Wikipedia article is entirely focused on the history, geography, and modern status of the real market town of Kingsbridge in Devon, England. The text contains no discussion or overview of the fictional book series, its premise, or its characters.

Where to start

Start with The Pillars of the Earth (1989). Each book stands alone and is set centuries apart.

  • •The Evening and the Morning is a prequel set around AD 1000; read it first or after Pillars.
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Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Reading Order5 Titles

Why Publication Order?We recommend reading in Publication Order (default). This follows the author's release schedule, ensuring you experience plot twists, character growth, and world-building exactly as intended without spoilers.
Best Start Here
1

The Pillars of the Earth

Pub: 1989

The Pillars of the Earth is a historical novel by Welsh author Ken Follett published in 1989 about the building of a cathedral in the fictional town of Kingsbridge, England. Set in the 12th century, the novel covers the time between the sinking of the White Ship and the murder of Thomas Becket, but focuses primarily on the Anarchy. The book traces the development of Gothic architecture out of the preceding Romanesque architecture, and the fortunes of the Kingsbridge priory and village against the backdrop of historical events of the time. ---------- See also: - The Pillars of the Earth: 1/2 - The Pillars of the Earth: 2/2

2

World Without End

Pub: 2007

Plot details hidden until you finish "The Pillars of the Earth".

Two centuries after the cathedral, the Black Death and political turmoil test the limits of survival and ambition in the medieval city of Kingsbridge.

3

A Column of Fire

Pub: 2017

Plot details hidden until you finish "World Without End".

As Europe erupts, can one young spy protect his queen? International bestselling author Ken Follett takes us deep into the treacherous world of powerful monarchs, intrigue, murder, and treason with his magnificent new epic, A Column of Fire. In 1558, the ancient stones of Kingsbridge Cathedral look down on a city torn apart by religious conflict. As power in England shifts precariously between Catholics and Protestants, royalty and commoners clash, testing friendship, loyalty, and love. Ned Willard wants nothing more than to marry Margery Fitzgerald. But when the lovers find themselves on opposing sides of the religious conflict dividing the country, Ned goes to work for Princess Elizabeth. When she becomes queen, all Europe turns against England. The shrewd, determined young monarch sets up the country’s first secret service to give her early warning of assassination plots, rebellions, and invasion plans. Over a turbulent half century, the love between Ned and Margery seems doomed as extremism sparks violence from Edinburgh to Geneva. Elizabeth clings to her throne and her principles, protected by a small, dedicated group of resourceful spies and courageous secret agents. The real enemies, then as now, are not the rival religions. The true battle pitches those who believe in tolerance and compromise against the tyrants who would impose their ideas on everyone else—no matter what the cost. Set during one of the most turbulent and revolutionary times in history, A Column of Fire is one of Follett’s most exciting and ambitious works yet. It will delight longtime fans of the Kingsbridge series and is the perfect introduction for readers new to Ken Follett. (copied from Amazon.com)

4

The Evening and the Morning

Pub: 2020

Plot details hidden until you finish "A Column of Fire".

Witness the barbaric 10th-century world of Kingsbridge, where a courageous boat builder struggles against Viking raiders and corrupt power.

5

The Armour of Light

Pub: 2023

Plot details hidden until you finish "The Evening and the Morning".

As industrial progress and war loom, Kingsbridge faces Napoleon's threat and the battle for social justice in a thrilling new era.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What order should I read Kingsbridge in?

Start with The Pillars of the Earth (1989). Each book stands alone and is set centuries apart.

How many books are in Kingsbridge?

4 main books, published 1989–2023, plus 1 side story.

Can I read Kingsbridge out of order?

Yes. Each book tells a complete story, so you can start anywhere; reading in order adds the background that builds up between books.

Which books in Kingsbridge are prequels, novellas or side stories?

"The Evening and the Morning" (prequel). Each is placed in the reading order below.

Is there a chronological order for Kingsbridge?

Yes. In story order the series begins with "The Evening and the Morning" rather than "The Pillars of the Earth". Switch the list below to Chronological to see the full timeline.

Has Kingsbridge been adapted for TV or film?

Miniseries adapt The Pillars of the Earth (2010) and World Without End (2012).