Historical Shows on the Way - The Pillars of the Earth

If you enjoyed HBO's Rome and John Adams, you will be happy to read we are in for more historical series.  The Starz network, which recently brought you the provoking series Spartacus, is now finalizing work on its 8-hour series that will bring Ken Follet's best selling book The Pillars of the Earth to life.  Having read the book, I will be very interested in seeing how this 12th Century story will look on TV.  The new series is slated to begin on July 23 at 10pm EST.  I am already impressed with the actors lined up to perform in this series, including Ian McShane and Donald Sutherland.

 Here is how Starz describes the epic:

This epic tale of passion and greed begins when a mysterious secret disrupts the succession to the English crown and an unlikely member of King Henry’s family takes the throne. A power struggle between Henry’s daughter, Maud, and nephew, Stephen, causes England to be torn by war as battles rage for the rightful heir. Meanwhile, Bishop Waleran Bigod and the Hamleigh family manipulate the conflict to satisfy their own ruthless ambitions. Within this tumultuous setting, Prior Philip fights insurmountable obstacles to keep Kingsbridge and his dream of building a magnificent cathedral alive. The task is daunting, but master-mason Tom Builder, his gifted stepson, Jack, and noblewoman Aliena work together to achieve their dreams. And in the process, the long-hidden secret is revealed.

Visit here for more information and here for a trailer.