In 1993 the book series ‘Horrible Histories’ started to fill book shop and library shelves. Written by Terry Deary, and illustrated by Martin Brown, the series has proven to be popular with children, parents, and teachers alike. The first two books published in ’93, Awful Egyptians, and Terrible Tudors, were jam-packed with hilarious observations and cartoonish illustrations. The series expanded to over 60 titles they now have on offer today, translated into over 30 languages! Children and adults all over the world love to delve into the gory, smelly, intriguing, and bloody historical tales on offer.
The first publication of the Egyptian Horrible Histories was originally called “Awesome Egyptians” (1993) but the title was changed in 2001 to keep in line with the gruesome and grim themes in the books. Other titles altered over the years include “Rotten Romans” (1999) to “Ruthless Romans” (2003), and “Vile Victorians” (1994) to “Villainous Victorians” (2004). Terry Deary ensured the content and style of writing was kept up-to-date, and although he is not planning on writing any more for the series he does continue to write because, he says, “you’ve got 60 titles there that you can rework and freshen up for the new audiences that are growing up all the time”.
In 2009 a live action series of Horrible Histories was produced for the Children’s British Broadcasting Company (CBBC). The comedy show consists of songs and sketches meant to educate and amuse even those who claim to dislike the subject of history. It has been so successful that it was the first children’s show to win an award at the British Comedy Awards! Trailblazing!
I enjoyed Horrible Histories as a young teenager in the mid 90s, and now as a parent I find I still love them to this day. They are full of interesting and entertaining facts, hilarious puns (the way to my heart), and now with the television show’s increasing popularity, there is no doubting the far-reaching value of this educational series.
I suggest, if you have not already, that every Reading Addict has these at pride of place on their shelves!
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