Wolf Hall books in order: Guide to Dame Hilary Mantel’s acclaimed trilogy

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As a movie lover who has spent countless hours delving into the rich tapestry of historical dramas, I must say that Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall trilogy stands out as one of the most captivating and immersive series I have ever encountered. The books, written in chronological order, offer a riveting portrayal of Thomas Cromwell, Henry VIII’s right-hand man during one of the most tumultuous periods in English history.

Among the highly praised British novel series in modern days, it’s hard to overlook “Wolf Hall” by the late and esteemed Dame Hilary Mantel.

The series narrates the story of Sir Thomas Cromwell, a significant character in the court of King Henry VIII from the Tudor dynasty. This self-made individual climbed his way up to become the most influential politician during his time and played a crucial role in managing a turbulent era marked by religious reform in England.

Abundant with renowned historical characters such as Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, Anne Boleyn, and Sir Thomas More, this setting offers a wealth of intriguing figures to explore, particularly delving into the psychological aspects of Cromwell, the King, and their complex relationship.

The series has been continually acclaimed and sparked an equally adored television adaptation starring Mark Rylance as Cromwell and Damian Lewis as Henry VIII.

The sequel titled “The Mirror and the Light” is now underway on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, covering a total of six episodes. We’re eagerly anticipating immersing ourselves in it!

So, if you want to read the Wolf Hall books, what is the order and what do the come in?

Wolf Hall books in order: Guide to Dame Hilary Mantel’s acclaimed trilogy

The Wolf Hall books were written in chronological order and released in the same order.

  1. Wolf Hall
  2. Bring Up the Bodies
  3. The Mirror and the Light

Here is what the books cover across their timespan.

1. Wolf Hall (2009)

Release date: 30th April 2009

Number of pages: 672

Hilary Mantel’s first book in her series is titled “Wolf Hall” or “Wulfhall,” which refers to the Seymour family’s ancestral home, and covers the years between 1500 and 1535.

The story traces the journey of Thomas Cromwell, from his modest beginnings to his swift ascendancy at the Tudor court, initially as an associate and admirer of Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, who was second only to King Henry VIII in political influence.

Nevertheless, the influence of the Cardinal often leads to a multitude of foes, and it doesn’t take long for them to orchestrate his fall from grace, especially when Wolsey is unsuccessful in obtaining the desired annulment of King Henry’s marriage to Catherine of Aragon. This freedom allows him to marry Anne Boleyn instead.

Throughout the book, Cromwell faces the challenge of keeping various court factions satisfied, managing personal hardships within his own family, and ultimately establishing a steady footing under the watchful eye of an erratic king.

In a different phrasing, the book “Wolf Hall” received widespread praise and garnered multiple honors, including the prestigious Booker Prize. Yet, some historians and scholars have raised concerns over its biased representation of Cromwell compared to his adversary Sir Thomas More, who is depicted in a more unfavorable manner.

The novel is available to purchase from Amazon here.

2. Bring Up the Bodies (2012)

Release date: 8th May 2012

Number of pages: 432

Among the three novels by Hilary Mantel about Thomas Cromwell, the second one, “Bring Up the Bodies,” was published three years after the initial novel and is the shorter of the three.

The next installment begins right after the conclusion of the first story set in 1535, following the stormy and short-lived marriage between King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, a marriage that ended tragically in 1536.

During his rise to become Master Secretary to the King’s Privy Council, Cromwell noticed that the king was gradually developing a more affectionate bond with Jane Seymour.

Tired of Queen Anne’s overbearing personality and the absence of a male heir, the King assigns Cromwell the mission to dissolve his controversial marriage. However, Anne refuses to back down peacefully, prompting Cromwell to take increasingly harsh actions against her. In the process, he also identifies an opportunity for retribution against those who wronged his cherished Cardinal Wolsey.

I had the privilege of reading “Bring Up the Bodies,” which not only resonated with me but also garnered widespread praise from critics. It even bagged another Man Booker Prize for the exceptional author, Hilary Mantel.

The novel is available to purchase from Amazon here.

3. The Mirror and the Light (2020)

Release date: 5th March 2020

Number of pages: 883

The last book, and the longest one, in Hilary Mantel’s Thomas Cromwell series is titled “The Mirror and the Light.

Continuing the storyline from the final act, The Mirror and the Light delves into the last few years (1536-1540) of Thomas Cromwell’s life.

After Anne Boleyn’s fall from grace, King Henry wed Jane Seymour while Thomas Cromwell attained the zenith of his authority and impact, playing a significant role in instigating a contentious and severe reformation within the Church of England.

In 2021, the last installment of Cromwell’s tale garnered significant praise from critics upon its debut and even won the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction.

The novel is available to purchase from Amazon here.

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2024-11-15 14:38