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The New Yorker - ''A treasure of a book'' Originally written in aid of the crucial restoration work to restore Paris''s great cathedral, Notre-Dame: A Short History of the Meaning of Cathedrals is a moving, short piece of non-fiction celebrating the stunning history of this beloved building, from Ken Follett, author of the multi-million copy selling Kingsbridge series. Now with an exclusive new introduction from the author. ''Two days after Notre Dame burned, I flew to Paris to appear on the TV programme La Grande Librairie for a discussion about cathedrals. The following morning I had breakfast at the Hotel Bristol with my French publisher and she asked me to write a short book about Notre Dame and what it means to all of us. She said she would donate the publisher''s profits to the rebuilding fund and, if I wished, I could do the same with my royalties. Yes, I said; of course, I''d love to.'' - Ken Follett Praise for Notre-Dame: ''Fans of Follett and cathedrals alike will enjoy his exploration of the great Parisian edifice-and will want more'' - Kirkus Reviews ''Follett''s appreciative tribute provides comfort that the scars of the recent fire will pass, as well. This satisfying book will be a must-read for those interested in the rebuilding of Notre Dame'' - Publishers Weekly ''Follett''s essay is simply masterful... Its stately and measured prose style befits its theme and makes it a great pleasure to read. This book is suitable for all libraries and will doubtless enrich any collection to which it is added. The fact that the author has pledged all proceeds from sales of the book to La Fondation du Patrimoine - a charity raising money for the restoration of the cathedral - only adds to its worthiness as a purchase and inscribes it into the ongoing history of Notre-Dame'' - Catholic Library World
About the author
Ken Follett was born in Cardiff, Wales. Barred from watching films and television by his parents, he developed an early interest in reading thanks to a local library. After studying philosophy at University College London, he became involved in centre-left politics, entering into journalism soon after. His first thriller, the wartime spy drama Eye of the Needle, became an international bestseller and has sold over 10 million copies. He then astonished everyone with his first historical novel, The Pillars of the Earth, the story of the building of a medieval cathedral, which went on to become one of the most beloved books of the twentieth century. One of the most popular authors in the world, his many books including the Kingsbridge series and the Century trilogy - a body of work which together chronicles over a thousand years of history - and his latest novel Never - which envisages how World War III could happen - have sold more than 188 million copies. A father and husband, Ken lives with his wife in England and enjoys travelling the world when he can.
