With commercial success in 1978, followed by ten years writing more thrillers … the time came for a change …
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| English - first edition |
This was Ken Follett's idea … referenced in my recent talk about Cathedrals; his route to acceptance patently wasn't at all easy.
He wanted to write about Cathedrals and enjoyed the learning process about the Middle Ages … so he set to … ten years after his commercial success The Pillars of the Earth was ready to be taken up and published (1989).
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| Salisbury Cathedral - west end |
However his German editor, Walter Fritzche at Gustav Luebbe, had longed to publish a novel about building a cathedral. Understandably the Germans hadn't been too happy with Follett's thrillers – there's usually a German baddy involved … so to have a publisher from Germany who was excited about cathedrals – was a bonus.
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| Luebbe's logo |
Then Pillars began to create a stir among other publishing nations … and as we know today is hugely successful.
As I read it I did notice a few anomalies … which in Wiki they've highlighted … squirrels don't hibernate (ours in the Medieval era would have been the red ones … we had some in our childhood Surrey garden); sugar would only have been available in courtly circles … until later in the 1300s; similarly hops would have been much later; then the idea of breakfast as a meal … we're not sure if that was eaten as such … but all in all – it gave us a view of life in the 1100s … certainly my talk got a nod of approval – though I didn't bring in those items … being a vaguely wise old owl!
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| German edition - using Achim Kiel's cover art |
I do recognise a few of the authors promoted by the Luebbe group... as linked below … where you can find more information. Apparently they have thirteen publishing brands, several thousand titles – fiction, non-fiction, children's and youth books, novels, audio and ebooks.
Their concept is stated on the Company's 'the why' they are what they are … it starts;
"The importance of narrative lies in its impact on and relationship with the people who experience it. This can be a thrilling adventure, an intimate dialogue, a diverting conversation, a yearning experience, and much more.”
Follett includes the Luebbe information in his Introduction – where he goes into how he wrote the book (nearly 8 pages of it) … I used some of it in my talk … these extras for me give that little bit more.
This seemed an appropriate post for August's IWSG – I'm a member … but don't participate – I enjoy seeing others' thoughts arising out of the question – this month: What is the most unethical practice in the publishing industry?
I'm looking forward to reading everyone's entries over on your IWSG posts …
Bastei Luebbe company information …
Wine and Cheese – arising from my Cathedral post …
Addendum: I obviously hadn't made it clear that the reason I wrote this post - was because it was the German publisher who took it up ... and from there it became the huge success it is today ... it's the German aspect for a British author was the main point of the post.
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
21 comments:
Hari OM
I read this not long after it was published... and recall finding myself faltering a little over the anachronisms you mention! However the overall tale was so enthralling, as Follett is adept at doing, I would heartily recommend it to any of have not yet taken it up! YAM xx
I loved that book from the first time I read it, probably in the early 2000's. Enjoyed your history about it.
I'm disappointed that he did not check his facts more rigorously, but otherwise it sounds like 'a good read.'
I am not familiar with the author at all, Hilary, so I am at a bit of a loss with this one. I am glad that your talk was a success, however. My daughter and son-in-law recently moved to a century home on 60 acres and we are making our first visit. Lots of wild nature here! No cathedrals, though! Best wishes - David
It looks like a good read,
I haven't read it!!
Have read most of Ken Follet's books, I am surprised David has not heard of him! Glad your talk was a success, I would have loved to have been there. Hope you are feeling better, Cheers Diane
Interesting. Thanks for sharing, Hils. Happy weekend.
When someone is successful, people want them to keep repeating what they did. That gets boring. I understand why he'd want to change up what he wrote about. And the resistance. But ultimately, he was right. Of course, that's not what the "suits" would want to hear.
Only someone really dedicated to the facts and history would know about those squirrels.
Only one week at number one? What most authors wouldn't do for that one week!
I don't know the book. It must be fascinating to give some peeks into the live in the 1100's Good on you to give a talk on the subject I already get anxious when I think about doing that
I have an ebook copy of this but have not yet got round to reading it. Some day!
@ Yam - I know ... I'm sure they were left in ... so we could relate in this day and age. As you say - he's an excellent storyteller ... I've just 'drowned my sorrows' in his next sequel ...
@ Jacqui - thanks ... it is British history giving us an idea of life back then ... I'm glad you enjoyed it ...
@ Janice - I think that he probably did ... as he has lots of references, but decided for most people who'd read it - with those minor challenges - the book would make more sense.
@ David - no worries ... he's a long read, but is also known for his thrillers. I wanted to post this re the publishing aspect and the German publishers taking the book up and promoting it - which pushed it out and on to success ... that aspect of my post hasn't got through! So be it!!
@ Katerina - good to see you - thanks for visiting ... perhaps you will read it ...
@ Diane - I'm not sure I've read others of his books ... but I'm reading his sequels now - long reads also. The talk was happily received ... just this post was about the German publishers really - ah well ... I'll had an addendum note on. I think probably the answer is no change, or slight changes but not good ones ... such is life. I'm up and around!! I expect David probably didn't read to escape life ... he was into his studies ...
@ Sandra - good to see you ... not a good weekend, but that's life at times ... I'm here!!
@ Liz - yes Follett did that ... he kept writing similar thrillers, but as you say he eventually was successful with his Cathedral series and others ...
@ Alex - I'm sure they knew about the anachronisms, but as you say ... most people most certainly would not - and the story reads more easily if there are things we can relate to ... to today's age.
Oh yes - one week at number one - but his others had had weeks and weeks of time at number one - everyone published would be happy with a number one slot - you're so right!
@ Marja - I enjoyed reading the book - then I was able to extract what I needed for the talk about the building of a cathedral. I've got used to giving a talk now - I'd hate to do it off the cuff, but planned is ok - and to a group of friends ...
@ Anabel - I wouldn't read it in e-book form ... way too long - well that's what I'd suggest ... but give it a go and decide: delete or get a physical copy.
Thanks to you all - I'm going to add an addendum to the post re the reason for writing it - the German publishing aspect of it. Cheers Hilary
I've always liked Ken Follett's books. And he does go off on tangents. Never the same thing twice, but lots of obvious research. He transports you to another time. Good post!
A fine example of how prophets are often not appreciated in their own country. ;-)
Speaking of prophets:
At dusk a man came to a village and said
he was a prophet. But the farmers did not
believe him. "Prove it!" they demanded.
The man pointed to the fortress wall opposite
and asked, "If this wall speaks and confirms
that I am a prophet, will you believe me?"
"By God, then we believe you," they shouted.
The man turned to the wall, stretched out his hand
and commanded, "Speak, O wall!"
Then the wall began to speak:
"This man is not a prophet. He is deceiving you.
He is not a prophet."*
@ Joanne - I'm into reading the series ... awaiting water leak fixes (don't ask - that's a saga in itself!) ... and perhaps could use one of the books for our next history era talk. We're finishing the Medieval era next term ... so 2026 will be something different. Thanks he does take me away from here ... and back over history of time ...
@ Sean - St Thomas ... I do wonder what walls would say to us - if only they could talk ...
Cheers to you both - Hilary
Yay for the nod of approval for your talk. I'm sure it was splendid.
I'm familiar with the author but not this particular book. A little 'poetic licence' is okay with me. Library, here I come!
I loved this book and the rest of the series that I have read. I still have 2 of them to read. Interesting tidbits about things that weren't quite accurate. I agree he did a great job making the time period come alive.
@ Sandra - well the talk took everyone in a direction they weren't expecting ... but I've had interesting comments afterwards ... so yes - it was fun.
@ Keith - it's a long read ... so be prepared to be engrossed. Enjoy it ...
@ Jess - I'm reading the rest of the series now - while I wait for things to happen here. I was intrigued by the fact it took the German publisher to actually bring The Pillars of the Earth to the western world public's full attention. He has made each time frame he writes up applicable and realistic as far as we're concerned in the 20th C and 21st C ...
Cheers to the three of you and thanks for coming by - Hilary
Have a happy, healthy weekend, Hils.
Thanks Sandra ... I had hot water ... and then chilled out in the continuing heat ... with the Red Arrows winging overhead = noisy!! Great to see you - cheers Hilary
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