Ken Follett is a renowned Welsh author and is widely known for his best-selling historical and suspense novels. He was born on June 5, 1949, in Cardiff, Wales, and raised in London. Follett’s first book, “Eye of the Needle,” was published in 1978 and was an immediate success. The novel was a thriller set during World War II and won the Edgar Award for Best Novel.
Follett continued to write best-sellers throughout the 1980s, including “The Key to Rebecca,” “Triple,” and “The Man from St. Petersburg.” In 1989, he published “The Pillars of the Earth,” which quickly became a literary sensation. The novel was a historical epic set in 12th-century England and was widely praised for its richly drawn characters, intricate plot, and vivid depiction of medieval life.
In 2007, Follett published “World Without End,” a sequel to “The Pillars of the Earth,” which was also a best-seller. He continued to write historical novels, including “Fall of Giants,” “Winter of the World,” and “Edge of Eternity.” These novels were part of his “Century Trilogy,” which followed the lives of five interconnected families through the 20th century.
In addition to his historical novels, Follett is also known for his suspense novels. He has written several thrillers, including “The Third Twin,” “The Hammer of Eden,” and “Code to Zero.” These novels have been widely praised for their intricate plots and high-stakes action.
Follett’s writing has been translated into over 80 languages and has sold over 160 million copies worldwide. He has received numerous awards and accolades for his work, including the Gold Dagger Award, the Edgar Award, and the Diamond Dagger Award. He has been called one of the masters of the historical novel and is widely regarded as one of the best writers of his generation.
Follett has also been active in charitable and political causes throughout his life. He is a strong supporter of literacy and education, and has been involved with several organizations that promote reading and writing. He has also been a vocal advocate for environmental protection and human rights.
In recent years, Follett has turned his attention to digital publishing, creating e-books and audio books of his novels. He has embraced the digital revolution and has been a strong advocate for the future of publishing. He has stated that he believes the future of books is bright, and that the digital revolution has created new opportunities for writers and readers alike.
Net Worth
Follett has written several books that have sold millions of copies worldwide. As of 2023, his net worth is estimated to be around $100 million.
Follett’s literary career took off in 1978 with the publication of his first novel, “Eye of the Needle.” The novel, a spy thriller set during World War II, was a huge commercial success and was later adapted into a movie. Following the success of “Eye of the Needle,” Follett went on to write several other thrillers, including “The Key to Rebecca” and “Triple.”
In 1989, Follett took a departure from thrillers and wrote “The Pillars of the Earth,” a historical novel set in the Middle Ages. The novel was a massive success and has since sold more than 25 million copies worldwide. It was followed by two more books in the “Kingsbridge” series, “World Without End” and “A Column of Fire.”
In addition to his writing, Follett has also been involved in various other projects. He has served as the Executive Producer of several TV adaptations of his books, including “The Pillars of the Earth” and “World Without End.” He has also been involved in charity work, including supporting causes such as literacy, education, and the arts.
Follett’s wealth can be attributed to the sales of his books, which have been translated into over 80 languages. He is one of the best-selling authors of all time and continues to be a popular figure in the literary world.
Follett’s success has also allowed him to live a luxurious lifestyle. He owns several properties around the world, including a historic castle in Scotland and a house in London. He also owns a private jet and enjoys a range of hobbies, including skiing and yachting.
Despite his wealth and success, Follett remains a humble and down-to-earth person. He continues to write new books and has said that he has no plans to retire from writing any time soon. He is a dedicated and passionate writer who has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions of readers around the world.
Controversy
Despite his widespread popularity and commercial success, Follett has faced some controversies in his career.
One of the most significant controversies that Follett has faced is his depiction of historical events in his novels. In particular, his book “The Pillars of the Earth,” which is set in the Middle Ages, has faced criticism for its depiction of the era and its historical accuracy. Some historians and medieval experts have claimed that the book oversimplifies and misrepresents the events of the time.
Another controversy that Follett has faced is related to the content of some of his books. Some of his novels, including “Eye of the Needle” and “The Key to Rebecca,” have faced criticism for their depiction of violence and sexual content. Some readers have claimed that the books are too graphic and contain explicit content that is inappropriate for certain audiences.
In addition to these controversies, Follett has also faced criticism for his political views. He has been a vocal supporter of the Labour Party in the UK and has been critical of some Conservative policies. Some of his statements have sparked controversy, particularly his comments on the issue of Brexit and its impact on the UK.
Despite these controversies, Follett has continued to be a popular and well-respected figure in the literary world. He has remained committed to his writing and continues to release new books that are well-received by his fans.
One of Follett’s most recent controversies came in 2020 when he released a new novel, “The Evening and the Morning.” The book, which is set in the Middle Ages, has faced criticism for its depiction of characters and events from that era. Some readers have claimed that the book is insensitive to certain groups and contains offensive content.
Lastly
Despite his success, Follett remains humble and grounded, and continues to write with passion and dedication. He has stated that he is proud of his work and that he believes in the power of storytelling to inspire and entertain. He continues to write and publish new books, and his fans eagerly await each new release.
In conclusion, Ken Follett is a highly successful author and businessman with a net worth of $100 million. His dedication and passion for writing, combined with his commercial success, have made him one of the most well-known and respected authors of our time.
