By 1535 Thomas Cromwell is Chief Minister to Henry VIII, his fortunes having risen with those of Anne Boleyn, the king’s new wife. But Anne has failed to give the king an heir, and Cromwell watches as Henry falls for plain Jane Seymour. Cromwell must find a solution that will satisfy Henry, safeguard the nation and secure his own career. But neither minister nor king will emerge unscathed from the bloody theatre of Anne’s final days.
An astounding literary accomplishment, Bring Up the Bodies is the story of this most terrifying moment of history, by one of our greatest living novelists.
Step back into the treacherous court of Henry VIII with Hilary Mantel's masterful historical novel, *Bring Up the Bodies*. This gripping Hardcover edition, published by Fourth Estate in 2020, continues the saga of Thomas Cromwell, Henry's shrewd and indispensable Chief Minister. Following the events of *Wolf Hall*, *Bring Up the Bodies* plunges us into the tumultuous years of Anne Boleyn's reign and swift downfall. Anne, the woman for whom Henry defied the Pope and shattered England's religious landscape, has failed to produce a male heir. The King's wandering eye has landed on the unassuming Jane Seymour, and the future of the Tudor dynasty hangs precariously in the balance. Cromwell, ever the pragmatist, finds himself in the unenviable position of navigating Henry's volatile desires and the ever-present dangers of courtly intrigue. He must orchestrate a solution that appeases the King, protects England from internal and external threats, and, crucially, ensures his own survival. As Anne's star fades, Cromwell becomes entangled in a web of conspiracy, betrayal, and ruthless political maneuvering. The novel masterfully depicts the chilling atmosphere of the Tudor court, where whispers can be as deadly as daggers. Mantel's brilliance lies in her ability to humanize historical figures, revealing their vulnerabilities, ambitions, and the moral compromises they make in the pursuit of power. Through Cromwell's sharp wit and keen observations, we witness the events unfolding from a unique and intimate perspective. *Bring Up the Bodies* is more than just a historical narrative; it's a psychological study of a man caught in the crosscurrents of a ruthless era. Winner of the Man Booker Prize in 2012 and the National Book Critics Circle Award for Fiction, *Bring Up the Bodies* is a critically acclaimed sequel to *Wolf Hall* and solidified Mantel's position as one of the greatest historical novelists of our time. It's a captivating and immersive read, meticulously researched and beautifully written. This edition, weighing 760g and spanning 485 pages, is a must-have for any history enthusiast or lover of literary fiction. Experience the drama, intrigue, and tragedy of the Tudor court through the eyes of Hilary Mantel in *Bring Up the Bodies*. Don't miss out on this unforgettable journey into the heart of power.