http://www.amazon.com/World-Without-End-Ken-Follett/dp/0451228375
A historical Epic drama, spanning decades, set in ye olde England.
The second book in the “pillars of the earth” series by follett.
This book became a rather watchable mini-series, which I reccommed you watch first because, as with most book to teleseries projects, the books is so much more of a compelling and richer story to immerse yourself in
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6vEfrt1p8U
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1878805/
The story mostly traces the path of Merthin the builder from lowly apprentice to master craftsman, his ever soulmate, and other characters that closely surround him.