Hilary Mantel
Full Name and Common Aliases
Hilary Mary Mantel, born Hilary Mary Thompson, is widely recognized by her pen name, Hilary Mantel. She is often referred to simply as Mantel in literary circles.
Birth and Death Dates
Hilary Mantel was born on July 6, 1952, and passed away on September 22, 2022.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Hilary Mantel was a British author, renowned for her work as a novelist, short story writer, and essayist. Her contributions to literature have left an indelible mark on the world of historical fiction.
Early Life and Background
Hilary Mantel was born in Glossop, Derbyshire, England. She grew up in a working-class family, the eldest of three children. Her early life was marked by a complex family dynamic, as her parents separated when she was eleven, and her mother’s partner moved in with the family. This unconventional household setup influenced her perspective and later her writing.
Mantel attended a convent school, where she excelled academically. She went on to study law at the London School of Economics and later transferred to the University of Sheffield, where she graduated with a degree in jurisprudence. Her initial career path was in law, but she soon found her true calling in writing. Mantel's early career was marked by a series of health challenges, including a severe and undiagnosed illness that was later identified as endometriosis. This condition significantly impacted her life and work, often becoming a theme in her writing.
Major Accomplishments
Hilary Mantel's literary career is distinguished by numerous accolades and achievements. She is best known for her historical novels, particularly those set in the Tudor period. Mantel made history by becoming the first woman to win the prestigious Booker Prize twice. Her first win came in 2009 for "Wolf Hall," and she repeated this remarkable feat in 2012 with its sequel, "Bring Up the Bodies." These awards cemented her status as one of the leading figures in contemporary literature.
Notable Works or Actions
Mantel's most celebrated works are her historical novels centered around Thomas Cromwell, a key figure in the court of King Henry VIII. The trilogy, consisting of "Wolf Hall," "Bring Up the Bodies," and "The Mirror & the Light," offers a vivid reimagining of Tudor England. Her meticulous research and ability to breathe life into historical figures have been widely praised.
In addition to her Tudor series, Mantel authored several other novels, including "A Place of Greater Safety," which explores the French Revolution, and "Beyond Black," a contemporary novel with supernatural elements. Her short story collections and essays further showcase her versatility and depth as a writer.
Impact and Legacy
Hilary Mantel's impact on literature is profound. Her ability to blend historical accuracy with compelling narrative has set a new standard for historical fiction. Mantel's works have not only captivated readers but have also inspired adaptations for stage and screen, further extending her influence.
Her exploration of power, politics, and human nature resonates with audiences worldwide, offering insights into both the past and present. Mantel's legacy is one of innovation and excellence, inspiring a new generation of writers to explore history with fresh eyes.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Hilary Mantel is widely quoted and remembered for her incisive observations and eloquent prose. Her ability to articulate complex ideas with clarity and wit has made her a source of inspiration for readers and writers alike. Mantel's reflections on history, power, and the human condition continue to resonate, offering timeless wisdom and perspective.
Her quotes often capture the essence of her characters and themes, providing profound insights into the human experience. Mantel's legacy as a master storyteller ensures that her words will endure, continuing to inspire and provoke thought for generations to come.
Quotes by Hilary Mantel
Hilary Mantel's insights on:
Back in my 20s, when I wrote 'A Place of Greater Safety,' the French Revolution novel, I thought, 'I'll always have to write historical novels because I can't do plots.' But in the six years of writing that novel, I actually learned to write, to invent things.
This relentless bonhomie of yours, I knew it would wear out in the end. It is a coin that has changed hands so often. And now the small silver is worn out and we see the base metal.
Sometimes,’ he says, ‘I think it would save time and work if all the interested parties came to the council, including foreign ambassadors. The proceedings leak out anyway, and to save them mishearing and misconstruing they might as well hear everything at first hand.
If your going to be ugly it is well to be whole-hearted about it, put some effort in. Georges turned heads.
If kings do not see you, they forget you. Even though nothing in the realm is done without you, kings think they do it all themselves.
I had read all the books so hard that when I gave them back the print was faint and gray with exhaustion.
He would have explained, if he’d known what sort of explanation Wykys would understand. I gave up fighting because, when I lived in Florence, I looked at frescoes every day? He said, “I found an easier way to be.
Lying gives him a deep and subtle pleasure, so deep and subtle he does not know he is lying; he thinks he is the most truthful of princes.
One of the French lords says, “To lose gracefully is an art that every gentleman cultivates.” “I hope to cultivate it too,” he says. “If you see an example I might follow, please point it out.
Martyr More,’ he says. ‘The word is in Rome that he and Fisher are to be made saints.