Ken Follett

**Ken Follett** (born 5 June 1949) is a Welsh author of thrillers and historical fiction. His books have sold over 170 million copies worldwide. Born in Cardiff, Wales, Follett graduated from University College London and worked as a journalist before becoming a full-time author in 1974. He began with spy thrillers, including "The Eye of the Needle" (1978) and "The Key to Rebecca" (1980). Follett's transition to historical fiction brought him critical and commercial acclaim with "The Pillars of the Earth" (1989), an epic about the construction of a medieval cathedral. Its success spawned two sequels and a prequel. Other notable works include "World Without End" (2007), "Jackdaws" (2001), and "The Evening and the Morning" (2020). Follett has received numerous awards, including the Golden Dagger Award from the Crime Writers' Association. His books have been praised for their historical detail, intricate plots, and compelling characters. Follett's work has been translated into over 80 languages and his books have been adapted into television and film.