'Masterpiece' period drama based on top-selling book hailed 'best adaptation ever'

Period drama lovers have been raving about a television miniseries which has been hailed the "best adaptation ever". Inspired by the book of the same name, The Pillars of the Earth documents the construction of a cathedral in the fictional town of Kingsbridge during 12th-century England. The stories of various characters are interweaved during the series, including resourceful monk Prior Philip (Matthew Macfadyen), leader of the cathedral construction, the master mason Tom Builder (Rufus Sewell) and Lady Aliena (Hayley Atwell), a noblewoman with a secret past.

Their lives become entangled as they navigate the challenges of building the cathedral, set against the backdrop of a period of civil war known as The Anarchy, and power struggles which have the ability to tear lives and families apart. The 2010 series, available to purchase on Amazon Prime, also stars Ian McShane, Eddie Redmayne, Donald Sutherland, David Oakes and Sam Claflin. Ken Follett, who wrote the novel the series is based on, also appears as a merchant.

Follet's novel became a best-seller following its release in 1989 and is now regarded as his most successful work. The Pillars of the Earth has sold a staggering 27 million copies worldwide and has been translated into more than 30 languages.

Both the series and book have been praised online, with one writing: "Watching Ken Follet's 'Pillars of the Earth' miniseries. It's unreal. If you like medieval England you will love this. It's a masterpiece."

Another declared: "Pillars of the Earth. Awesome book and best adaptation to TV ever on Starz. Stream it if you can!"

Also lauding the show, a third said: "This is the greatest miniseries I have ever seen, and I don't say that lightly. The plotting, performances, art direction, set dressing, tone, pacing - everything is top-notch. 10/10."

Echoing this, another penned: "A masterpiece. Absolutely awesome book and worth reading. It gives a perspective and a peep into 11th century England. Their lives, views, economics, politics, admin and a whole lot more. Beautifully written and a great story telling approach of the author that keeps the reader wanting for more till the end. Very gripping story."

Despite the series receiving glittering reviews, it came under fire for making significant changes in character portrayals, storyline and other overall details. This included the absence of several characters from the TV adaptation, while the ages of those who did make it to screen were often changed.

Although there were notable differences between the two, this didn't change their admiration for the series as one commented: "If you have read the book, you may be disappointed with the number of times it goes 'off road'. The new take on certain elements is confusing given the brilliance of the book. I assume it was for brevity in the film making process. Having said that, it is very well made, acted and produced. I enjoyed it."