Origins & Early Life

Kenneth Martin Follett (born 5 June 1949) is a Welsh author of thrillers and historical novels who has sold nearly 200 million copies of his works. Follett's commercial breakthrough came with the spy thriller Eye of the Needle (1978). After writing more best-sellers in the genre in the 1980s, he branched into historical fiction with The Pillars of the Earth (1989), an epic set in medieval England which became his best-known work and the first book in the Kingsbridge series. He has continued to write in both genres, including the Century Trilogy.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Many of his books have achieved high ranking on bestseller lists, including the number-one position on the New York Times Best Seller list. Kenneth Martin Follett was born in Cardiff, Wales, on 5 June 1949, into a pious family of modest means. He was the first child of Martin Follett, a tax inspector, and Lavinia (Veenie) Follett, who went on to have two more children, Hannah and James. Barred from watching films and television by his Plymouth Brethren parents, he developed an early interest in reading but remained an indifferent student until he entered his teens. His family moved to London when he was ten years...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Ahmed Zaki (actor) — Contemporary (Born in 1949) (1949): Iconic Egyptian actor celebrated for intense dramatic performances.
• Alan Menken — Contemporary (Born in 1949) (1949): Award-winning American composer celebrated for Disney film scores and Broadway musicals.
• Alice Bailey — Contemporary (Died in 1949) (1949): American esoteric writer known for neo-theosophical works and pioneering New Age concepts.
• Alan Bond — Shared historical date (06-05 · Died) (2015): Australian businessman known for high-profile dealings, the America's Cup, and founding Bond University.
• Bodawpaya — Shared historical date (06-05 · Died) (1819): Sixth King of the Konbaung Dynasty of Burma, founder of the Third Burmese Empire.
• Amadeo Giannini — Historical peer (Died in 1949) (1949): Pioneering American banker who founded the Bank of Italy and influenced modern finance.
• Andy Kaufman — Historical peer (Born in 1949) (1949): Pioneering performance artist known for anti-comedy and character work.
• Adolf Dassler — Historical peer (Died in 1978) (1978): Pioneering German cobbler and inventor who founded the sportswear giant Adidas.
• Ayumi Hamasaki — Historical peer (Born in 1978) (1978): Japanese Pop Icon, 'Empress of Pop,' best-selling solo artist in Japan.
• A. J. Ayer — Historical peer (Died in 1989) (1989): Influential English philosopher known for logical positivism and emotivism.
• 1949 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1949
• June 5 (06-05) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on June 5