Horrible Histories (book series)

Horrible Histories is a British series of illustrated history books published by Scholastic UK for children and young adults. Written by Terry Deary and illustrated by Martin Brown (and, later, other illustrators), the series presents history in an accessible and entertaining format, focusing on the often gruesome, unpleasant, or scandalous aspects of various historical periods and cultures.

The books cover a wide range of historical topics, including ancient civilizations (such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans), the Middle Ages, the Tudor and Victorian eras, and the two World Wars. Each book typically explores a particular historical period or theme and presents information through a combination of humorous text, cartoons, jokes, quizzes, and songs.

A key feature of Horrible Histories is its deliberate focus on the "nitty-gritty" details that are often omitted from traditional history textbooks. This includes information about sanitation, food, disease, warfare, and everyday life, often presented in a deliberately shocking or disgusting manner to capture the reader's attention. The series aims to make history engaging and memorable by highlighting the most interesting and outrageous events and characters.

Due to its popularity, Horrible Histories has expanded beyond books into other media, including a long-running BBC television series, stage shows, and museum exhibits. The books have been translated into numerous languages and are widely read in schools and libraries around the world. The success of Horrible Histories is attributed to its ability to make history accessible, entertaining, and relevant to young readers.