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Every book Joanne Paul recommended on podcasts
Joanne Paul appeared on Conversations with Tyler to discuss the Tudor world, the legacy of Thomas More, and the intersection of history, art, and literature. Throughout the conversation, Paul examined the historical significance and literary complexities of Thomas More's famous work, Utopia. She noted that it is historically notable as the first book to use the word utopia, though it is not necessarily the first utopian text ever written. Paul further analyzed the narrative structure and authorship layers within the text, pointing out the riddle and enigma of the book, particularly how Book Two, which describes the island itself, is narrated by the character Raphael Hythloday. Expanding beyond literature into historical characterizations, Paul mentioned Hilary Mantel's acclaimed novel Wolf Hall alongside the dramatic work A Man for All Seasons to contrast how figures like Thomas More are portrayed. She noted how contrasting a hero in one work with a villain in another can sometimes cause audiences to lose the nuance, complexity, and contradictory nature of a real human individual. When the discussion turned toward the visual arts of the Tudor era, Paul recommended a recently published book titled Tudor Art by Susie Hodge for those interested in the period, specifically pointing out that Hans Holbein's naturalism and realism were completely unmatched at the time.
Books recommended by Joanne Paul
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Tudor Art
Tudor Art by Susie Hodge explores the visual culture, naturalism, and prominent portraiture of the Tudor period in England.
Recommended“I’m not an expert in this. There’s a fantastic book that’s just come out on Tudor art. I’d recommend people go and have a look at that. Yes, Holbein’s naturalism, realism is unmatched at the time.”
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Utopia
Utopia by Thomas More is a foundational sixteenth-century work of political philosophy and satire that famously introduced the word utopia to the English language while depicting an idealized island society.
Discussed“Utopia is really interesting because, of course, it’s the first book to use that word, utopia. It’s not necessarily the first utopia.”
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Wolf Hall
Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel is a meticulously researched historical fiction novel that chronicles the rise of Thomas Cromwell in the court of Henry VIII.
Discussed“He’s a hero in Man for All Seasons. He’s basically a villain in Wolf Hall. We lose some of that complexity of a contradictory, complex human individual.”
Books Joanne Paul wrote
Appearances
| Episode | Podcast | Date | Books |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joanne Paul on Thomas More and the Tudor World | Conversations with Tyler | 2026-06-24 | 4 |
Other mentions (1: passing, ad reads, own books)
“It will be called Tyrant, and it will be a portrait of tyranny in the reign of Henry VIII.”