Ken Follett, a towering figure in contemporary literature, was born on June 5, 1949, in Cardiff, Wales. His full name, Kenneth Martin Follett, is now synonymous with thrilling narratives, historical epics, and page-turning suspense. Over the decades, Follett has become one of the most successful and prolific authors of our time, with his works resonating with millions of readers around the globe. His journey from a young reporter to a literary giant is a testament to his enduring talent and relentless pursuit of storytelling excellence.
Early Life and Education
Ken Follett was born into a modest family; his father was a tax inspector. Follett’s early life in Cardiff was shaped by his parents’ strict religious beliefs, which led to a somewhat sheltered upbringing, where television and movies were restricted. This limited access to popular culture might have fueled his early interest in books, which became his primary source of entertainment and knowledge.
Follett’s academic journey led him to London, where he studied philosophy at University College London. After graduating, he initially pursued a career in journalism, working as a reporter for his hometown newspaper, “The South Wales Echo,” before moving on to the “London Evening News.” These early years as a journalist honed his writing skills and exposed him to a world of stories waiting to be told. However, his first foray into fiction did not yield immediate success. His early novels, written during his time at the “London Evening News,” failed to make a significant impact, but they provided him with the experience and persistence that would eventually lead to his breakthrough.
The Breakthrough: “The Eye of the Needle” and Early Success
Ken Follett’s breakthrough came in 1978 with the publication of “The Eye of the Needle,” a gripping World War II spy thriller that became an instant bestseller. The novel, known for its intense suspense and well-crafted characters, particularly the memorable female protagonist, won the Edgar Award and was later adapted into a successful film starring Donald Sutherland and Kate Nelligan. This success catapulted Follett into the literary limelight, establishing him as a master of the thriller genre.
Following the success of “The Eye of the Needle,” Follett continued to produce bestselling novels, many of which were adapted into films and television miniseries. Notable works from this period include “The Key to Rebecca,” a World War II espionage novel set in Cairo, and “On Wings of Eagles,” a dramatic retelling of the real-life rescue of two employees of Ross Perot from Iran during the 1979 revolution. These works not only solidified Follett’s reputation as a top-tier thriller writer but also demonstrated his ability to weave intricate plots based on historical events.
Exploration of New Genres: “The Pillars of the Earth” and Historical Fiction
While Follett initially gained fame as a thriller writer, he surprised the literary world by branching out into historical fiction with “The Pillars of the Earth,” published in 1989. This epic novel, set in 12th-century England, centers around the construction of a cathedral in the fictional town of Kingsbridge. The book delves deep into the social, political, and religious dynamics of the time, providing readers with a richly detailed narrative that explores themes of ambition, power, and the human spirit.
“The Pillars of the Earth” was a departure from Follett’s earlier work, but it was met with overwhelming success. The novel spent 18 weeks at the top of the New York Times bestseller list and remained a favorite among readers for years. It was particularly successful in Germany, where it stayed on the bestseller list for over six years, and it also topped the charts in Canada, the UK, and Italy. The novel’s success led to a television adaptation and a sequel, “World Without End,” published in 2007, which continued the story of Kingsbridge and its inhabitants.
Follett’s foray into historical fiction opened up new avenues for his storytelling. He demonstrated an uncanny ability to bring history to life, making complex historical events and periods accessible and engaging to a wide audience. His meticulous research and attention to detail became hallmarks of his historical novels, earning him a new legion of fans and solidifying his place as one of the foremost historical fiction writers of our time.
Return to Thrillers and New Millennium Works
Despite his success in historical fiction, Follett never abandoned the thriller genre that had made him famous. In the 1990s, he returned to his roots with novels like “The Third Twin,” a gripping tale of genetic engineering and suspense that became the second-best-selling book in the world in 1997, trailing only John Grisham’s “The Partner.” Follett followed this success with “The Hammer of Eden” in 1998, another suspenseful novel that captivated readers with its intense plot and compelling characters.
As the new millennium dawned, Follett continued to produce bestsellers. His works during this period included “Code to Zero” (2000), “Jackdaws” (2001), “Hornet Flight” (2002), and “Whiteout” (2004). Each of these novels showcased Follett’s ability to craft thrilling narratives that kept readers on the edge of their seats. His ability to innovate within the genre, introducing new themes and contemporary issues, ensured that his work remained fresh and relevant.
However, it was his return to the world of historical fiction with the Century Trilogy that once again captured the attention of readers worldwide. The trilogy, beginning with “Fall of Giants” (2010), followed by “Winter of the World” (2012), and concluding with “Edge of Eternity” (2014), is an ambitious saga that chronicles the intertwined fates of five families through the major events of the 20th century, including World War I, World War II, and the Cold War. The Century Trilogy was praised for its sweeping narrative, complex characters, and historical accuracy, further cementing Follett’s reputation as a master storyteller.
The Kingsbridge Series and Recent Works
In recent years, Ken Follett has continued to build on his success with the Kingsbridge series, which began with “The Pillars of the Earth.” In 2017, he published “A Column of Fire,” which explores the religious conflicts and power struggles of the 16th century, focusing on the rise of Protestantism and the tumultuous reign of Elizabeth I. The novel was another critical and commercial success, demonstrating Follett’s enduring ability to captivate readers with his historical narratives.
Follett followed this with “The Evening and the Morning” (2020), a prequel to “The Pillars of the Earth,” set in the final days of the Dark Ages and the dawn of the Middle Ages. The novel explores the origins of Kingsbridge, providing fans with a deeper understanding of the world they had come to love in the previous books. Once again, Follett’s meticulous research and vivid storytelling brought the past to life, earning the book widespread acclaim.
In 2021, Follett released “Never,” a contemporary thriller that marked a return to the genre where he first made his name. The novel explores the terrifying prospect of global conflict in the modern age, weaving a narrative that is both timely and thought-provoking. “Never” was praised for its suspenseful plot and its exploration of the complexities of international relations in the 21st century.
Personal Life and Interests
Beyond his writing, Ken Follett leads a life filled with interesting pursuits and passions. He has been married to Barbara Hubbard, a former Labour Party parliamentary candidate, since 1985. The couple lives in London and Stevenage, Hertfordshire, where they enjoy a rich family life with children from previous marriages.
Follett is also an avid fan of William Shakespeare and frequently attends performances by the Royal Shakespeare Company in London. His love for music is another significant aspect of his life; he plays bass guitar in a band called “Damn Right I Got the Blues,” which showcases his passion for blues music. This creative outlet is a testament to Follett’s multifaceted personality and his love for the arts in all forms.
Legacy and Impact on Literature
Ken Follett’s impact on the literary world is undeniable. With over 160 million copies of his books sold worldwide, he is one of the best-selling authors of all time. His ability to craft compelling narratives across multiple genres, from thrillers to historical epics, has earned him a loyal following and critical acclaim.
Follett’s work is characterized by meticulous research, intricate plotting, and a deep understanding of human nature. Whether he is writing about the construction of a cathedral in medieval England or the political machinations of the Cold War, Follett brings a level of detail and authenticity to his stories that few authors can match. His novels not only entertain but also educate, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the historical events and periods he portrays.
As Follett continues to write, his influence on the literary world is likely to grow. His ability to adapt to changing tastes and trends, while staying true to his unique voice, ensures that his work remains relevant and beloved by readers of all ages. Ken Follett is not just a master storyteller; he is a literary institution whose work will continue to inspire and captivate for generations to come.
