#1114

Mentioned in 21 episodes

Wolf Hall

Book •

Set during the English Reformation, 'Wolf Hall' brings to life the opulent and brutal world of the Tudors.

The novel focuses on Thomas Cromwell, who rises from humble origins to become a powerful advisor to King Henry VIII.

It explores themes of ambition, power, politics, religion, identity, and loyalty and betrayal, all set against the backdrop of Henry VIII's desire to marry Anne Boleyn and break from the Roman Catholic Church.

Mantel's vivid imagery and sensory details create a rich sense of time and place, making historical characters relatable to contemporary readers.

Mentioned by

Suzannah Lipscomb

Francis Dearnley

Mentioned in 21 episodes

Mentioned by

Cal Newport

as an example of an author who produced high-quality work at a slower pace due to health issues.

Ep. 245: “Crazy” Productivity

Recommended by

Ezra Klein

as an amazing book about power.

129. Trump’s America: Fear, Polarisation, and The Future (Ezra Klein)

Mentioned by

Jonah Goldberg

while discussing the television adaptation of her books about Henry VIII.

A Hell of Our Own Creation

Mentioned by

John Cochrane

while discussing Thomas Cromwell's actions under Henry VIII.

John Cochrane: How Will DOGE 'Disrupt' the Government?

Mentioned by

Jonah Goldberg

while discussing Henry VIII and Thomas Cromwell.

Deadly Demosclerosis

Mentioned by

Francis Dearnley

while discussing the Tudor series.

Spilling Starmer’s Tea

Mentioned by

Suzannah Lipscomb

as the version of Thomas More that we find in popular culture.

Rise of Thomas More

Mentioned by

Danny Dyer

as inspiration after discovering Thomas Cromwell was his grandfather.

S5 EP7: Danny Dyer describes battling addiction, UFO obsessions, and tackling Shakespeare

Mentioned by

Helen Castor

as a writer who demonstrates a commitment to precision in language and thought.

Helen Castor: imagining life in the fourteenth century.

Mentioned by

Anna Gát

in the context of understanding the motivations of historical figures.

Dwarkesh Patel: The Art of Getting Started and Noticed

Recommended for those who enjoy “Wolf Hall”, highlighting its humanist and realistic portrayal of British history.

I Could Never Be Your Woman with Karen Chee

Mentioned by

Gordon

White as a series he listened to while on the treadmill.

Zombie Co-Creation

Mentioned as the basis for the novels and dramatizations of the Trial of Thomas More, where Thomas Cromwell is portrayed as the hero.

Politics on Trial: Thomas More vs the King

Mentioned by

George Osborne

while discussing a BBC TV drama.

EMQs Easter special: Does anyone want to pay more taxes?

Mentioned by

George Hoare

referencing the book when asking a question, wondering if Thomas Cromwell is the sort of new man mentioned in the book.

/501/ Reading Club: The Lower-Middle Class

Mentioned by

Helen Lewis

in comparison to Adam McQueen's work.

Three Word Slogans (with Cleo Watson)

Mentioned by Paul as a book he attempted to read but did not enjoy due to the writing style.

Classical Education and AI: What’s the Future of Knowledge?

Mentioned by

Tessa Coates

as a book she found difficult to finish.

How to Stop Reading a Book

Mentioned by

Candice Lim

while discussing the adaptation of Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall.

Pope Leo XIV is the Taylor Swift of Catholicism

Mentioned by

Maddy Pelling

as the author of the Wolf Hall novels, which have reshaped the understanding of Thomas Cromwell.

Final Days of Thomas Cromwell

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!

App store banner

Play store banner