The Mirror and the Light is an upcoming historical novel by Hilary Mantel, the final part of a planned trilogy charting the rise and fall of Thomas Cromwell, the powerful minister in the court of King Henry VIII. ^[1][2]

Plot

The Mirror and the Light is expected to cover the last six years of Cromwell's life, from the execution of Anne Boleyn (1534) to Cromwell's execution (1540). Events during this period include:

• Cromwell being appointed Lord Privy Seal and being made a baron
• Thomas Cranmer's Ten Articles, leading to the Pilgrimage of Grace and the publication of the Bishop's Book
• Cromwell's campaign against "idolatry", including statues, roods, images, shrines, relics and pilgrimages
• Conservative opposition to Cromwell's reforms
• Cromwell having the Marquess of Exeter, Sir Edward Neville and Sir Nicholas Carew imprisoned for treason
• the King's marriage to Jane Seymour, the birth of Prince Edward and Jane's death
• The marriage of Cromwell's son Gregory to Lady Elizabeth Ughtred, sister of Jane Seymour
• the King's marriage to Anne of Cleves at Cromwell's recommendation
• Cromwell being made Earl of Essex and Lord Great Chamberlain
• Cromwell's downfall and execution for treason; he is beheaded the same day as Henry marries Catherine Howard