An extract from the opening of the book. It is June 1911, and 13 year-old Billy Williams is working his first day in a Welsh coal mine.
January 1914. Wealthy coal-mine owner Earl Fitzherbert, along with his wife, the Russian Princess Bea, hosts a party for the King and Queen.
March 1918. Officer Walter van Ulrich leads his troops into the final German offensive of the First World War.
February 1915. Ethel Williams, formerly a housemaid for the Fitzherberts, is now working as a seamstress in East London.
June 1913. A procession of Suffragettes during the funeral procession of Emily Davison in Morpeth, Northumberland.
October 1911. A portrait of the leader of the Women's Suffragette movement, Mrs Emmeline Pankhurst (left) and her daughters.
Circa 1918. A general view of women at work in the Royal Army Clothing Department in the Old Kent Road, London.
September 1917. Battle of the Menin Road Ridge.
Ken Follett talks about his research for Fall of Giants, introduces his main characters and reads an extract from the book. In this extract we see the outbreak of war through the eyes of German spy Walter von Ulrich.
Ken Follett talks about the historical context of Fall of Giants and reads an extract from the book. In this extract we see the horrors of trench warfare as Fitz prepares to lead his troops into battle.
