A.R.S.E.

Two cracking books about Thomas Cromwell, a commoner with a mysterious background who rose to be one of the most powerful men in England in Henry VIII's time. The books (a third must be in the writing) cover the period of Henry divorcing Catherine, then marrying and beheading Anne Boleyn, then marrying Jane Seymour, as well as Henry's struggles with Rome and the church.

Beautifully written and fascinating, and quite a sympathetic portrait of Cromwell, who is generally seen as a violent, brutal thug.

Recommended - smith

Edit: Both Man Booker prize-winners now!