Historical Fiction · EpicA young man in Elizabeth's secret service, in a Europe divided by religion
A Column of Fire
by Ken Follett
A young man in Elizabeth's secret service, in a Europe divided by religion
In 1558, Kingsbridge is divided between Catholic and Protestant families. After a Cobley is burned as a heretic and the Willards are nearly ruined, young Ned Willard enters the service of Princess Elizabeth. As she becomes queen, he finds himself in a long struggle with the Fitzgerald family, across England, France, Scotland and Spain.
More about this book
Who
Ned Willard, who is drawn into Princess Elizabeth's service, Margery Fitzgerald and Rollo Fitzgerald. The mayor's Catholic family, the Fitzgeralds, the Puritan Cobleys and the pragmatic Willards live in Kingsbridge.
World
England, France, Scotland, Spain, Antwerp, Geneva and the Caribbean, from 1558 to 1605. Kingsbridge is the starting point, but much of the action happens elsewhere.
What makes it different
Of the Kingsbridge novels, this one has the most political plot. The cathedral stays in the background, and the story follows religious conflict and espionage across Europe.
Feel
A long, steady historical novel with spies, rivalry and a wide cast.
Page count and cover shown for: Selected edition
Further reading
- A Column of FireWikipedia
- Ken Follett's Kingsbridge books in orderPan Macmillan