The greatest literary sensation of recent times – and now the inspiration for a major BBC series, starring Mark Rylance and Damian Lewis and directed by Peter Kosminsky.

Winner of the Man Booker Prize 2012.

Continuing what began in the Man Booker Prize-winning WOLF HALL, we return to the court of Henry VIII.

The volatile Anne Boleyn is now Queen, her career seemingly entwined with that of Cromwell. The split from the Catholic Church has left England dangerously isolated, and Anne has failed to give the king an heir. And when the King begins to fall in love with self-effacing Jane Seymour, the ever-pragmatic Cromwell must negotiate within an increasingly perilous court to satisfy Henry, defend the nation and, above all, to secure his own rise in the world. 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.

Reviews

‘The greatest modern English prose writer working today’ Sir Peter Stothard, Chairman of the Man Booker Prize

‘“Bring Up the Bodies” is simply exceptional…I envy anyone who hasn’t yet read it’ Sandra Parsons, Daily Mail

‘A gripping story of tumbling fury and terror’ Philip Hensher, Independent on Sunday

‘In another league. This ongoing story of Henry VIII’s right-hand man is the finest piece of historical fiction I have ever read. A staggering achievement’ Sarah Crompton, Sunday Telegraph

‘Great novel – worthy companion to Wolf Hall … Hurry up with the third novel Hilary’ Daily Express

About the author

Hilary Mantel is the author of thirteen books , including A PLACE OF GREATER SAFETY, BEYOND BLACK, the memoir GIVING UP THE GHOST and the collection of short stories THE ASSASSINATION OF MARGARET THATCHER. Her two most recent novels, WOLF HALL and its sequel BRING UP THE BODIES, have both been awarded The Man Booker Prize – an unprecedented achievement.