Notre-Dame
2019 | Non-Fiction | 112 pages
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.
France: Robert Laffont
Germany: Bastei Luebbe
Italy: Mondadori
Spain: Penguin Random House
UK: Pan Macmillan
US: Penguin
‘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
All of Ken’s royalties will be donated to the Fondation du Patrimoine to help the restoration of Notre Dame cathedral.
I
2019
The voice on the phone was urgent. ‘I’m in Paris,’ it said. ‘Turn on your television!’
I was at home, in the kitchen, with Barbara, my wife. We had just fnished supper. I had not drunk any wine, which turned out to be a good thing. I did not yet know it, but the evening was going to be a long one.
The voice on the phone belonged to an old friend. She has weathered many crises as a Member of Parliament and a Cabinet minister, and is completely unfappable, but she sounded shocked.
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.
“Follett’s essay is simply masterful. Despite its brevity, it is very rich in content and, apart from a surprisingly harsh, almost caricatural characterization of the Middle Ages, it is sound in its judgments. 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.” - Thomas M. Dousa, Catholic Library World
“Fans of Follett and cathedrals alike will enjoy his exploration of the great Parisian edifice—and will want more.” - Kirkus Reviews, Starred book
“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