I haven't read the books and realise that my lack of interest in reading historical novels has been a big mistake. Having watched the film "The Other Boleyn Girl" a week or so ago and now Wolf Hall, I have discovered how totally ignorant I am on such matters. I'm sure we must have done some of this in history at school but, other than the names of Henry VIII's wives, I remember almost nothing.
There was a discussion on Newsnight after Wolf Hall was shown. In answer to the criticism that historical novels and dramas are not completely accurate, the historian/novelist said that even historians sometimes have limited information to go on and have to try and piece together different accounts to arrive at what they feel is a reasonably accurate portrayal of characters and events. She felt, however, that novels and dramas often prompted people to find out more about the period, rather than just take everything at face value. It's certainly sparked my interest.
Anyway, I thought it was really well done (although I agree with HildaW that some of the language didn't seem quite right) and I'm looking forward to the next one.