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Cover of Wolf Hall
Historical Fiction· United Kingdom

Wolf Hall

by Hilary Mantel
Aggregate Editorial Score100/100
★Booker Prize★Costa Book Award
Published 2009653 pagesEnglish
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About This Book

When Hilary Mantel published Wolf Hall in 2009, it quickly found its place in the broader tradition of historical fiction. Thomas Cromwell, the blacksmith's son who rose to become Henry VIII's most powerful minister, navigates the dangerous politics of the Tudor court. Mantel's Booker Prize–winning novel reinvented historical fiction with its audacious present-tense narration and psychological depth. Themes of power, Tudor England, ambition run through the work. The book has received recognition from Booker Prize 2009 and Costa Book Award 2009.

Book Details

AuthorHilary Mantel
Published2009
Country of Origin🇬🇧 United Kingdom
LanguageEnglish
Pages653
Category🗺️ Historical Fiction
ISBN9780312429980
Editorial Score100/100
About the Category

🗺️ Historical Fiction

Novels set in the past, blending real events with fictional narratives.

Explore all Historical Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

This book is part of United Kingdom's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from United Kingdom →

Editorial Assessment

Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel sits within the tradition of historical fiction that treats language as seriously as plot. Published in 2009 in United Kingdom, it engages with power, Tudor England, ambition, politics in ways that have earned it lasting critical attention. Among its recognitions: Booker Prize 2009; Costa Book Award 2009. With an editorial score of 100/100 drawn from 2 independent sources, the book occupies a well-documented position in the critical literature. Its recognition spans international prizes, "best of" lists, and academic surveys. What distinguishes Wolf Hall is how it handles its central concerns — power, Tudor England, ambition, politics — without reducing them to neat conclusions. The book invites close reading and holds up well to it. Hilary Mantel's role in the literature of United Kingdom is well established. Wolf Hall can be read as both a standalone achievement and as part of a broader national literary conversation about identity, history, and the possibilities of narrative form.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 2 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

Booker Prize
winner · global
200983
Costa Book Award
winner · national
200966
✍️
About the Author
Hilary Mantel
United Kingdom
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Hilary Mantel is a celebrated author from United Kingdom known for influential works of historical fiction.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wolf Hall about?

Thomas Cromwell, the blacksmith's son who rose to become Henry VIII's most powerful minister, navigates the dangerous politics of the Tudor court. Mantel's Booker Prize–winning novel reinvented historical fiction with its audacious present-tense narration and psychological depth.

Who wrote Wolf Hall?

Wolf Hall was written by Hilary Mantel, from United Kingdom. First published in 2009.

What awards has Wolf Hall won?

Wolf Hall has received the following awards and honours: Booker Prize 2009; Costa Book Award 2009.

Is Wolf Hall worth reading?

Wolf Hall is one of the most critically acclaimed books ever written, with an aggregate editorial score of 100/100 on 50 Best Books, based on mentions across 2 editorial sources. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in power, Tudor England, ambition.

Where can I buy Wolf Hall?

You can buy Wolf Hall on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is Wolf Hall?

Wolf Hall is classified as Historical Fiction. Novels set in the past, blending real events with fictional narratives.

What country is Wolf Hall from?

Wolf Hall originates from United Kingdom's literary tradition. Explore more books from United Kingdom on our country page.

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