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Horrible Histories #18
Vile Victorians
Queen Victoria was the ultimate Victorian, and she was 'not' amused. Luckily YOU will be splitting your sides as you discover how disgusting the Victorians really were. They may have looked all prim and proper, but they were a jolly naughty bunch. Lots of Victorians could be vicious and violent and villainous - VILE, in fact. So read on to see... * When the first public loo was flushed * What terrible tricks Victorian urchins played on posh people * Who had a gruesome glass eye for every occasion * How some Victorians made money from dead bodies * The gory and gruesome ways that Victorians died * The nasty things Victorians did to children Plus you can discover the vile names Victorian kids were called, taste some rotten Victorian recipes and try out some terrible tests. History has never been so horrible!
152 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1994
80 people are currently reading
1065 people want to read
About the author
Terry Deary
823 books823 followersA former actor, theatre-director and drama teacher, Deary says he began writing when he was 29. Most famously, he is one of the authors of the Horrible Histories series of books popular among children for their disgusting details, gory information and humorous pictures and among adults for getting children interested in history. Books in the series have been widely translated into other languages and imitated.
A cartoon series has been made of the series of books and was shown on CiTV for a period in 2002.
The first series of a live-action comedy sketch show of the same name was shown on CBBC in 2009 and a second series is due.
Terry is also known widely throughout children and adult reading groups alike for his True Stories series (see below for series list).
He received an Honorary Doctorate of Education from the University of Sunderland in 2000. His numerous accolades also include the Blue Peter "Best Nonfiction Author of the Century" Award in the U.K.
-Wikipedia
A cartoon series has been made of the series of books and was shown on CiTV for a period in 2002.
The first series of a live-action comedy sketch show of the same name was shown on CBBC in 2009 and a second series is due.
Terry is also known widely throughout children and adult reading groups alike for his True Stories series (see below for series list).
He received an Honorary Doctorate of Education from the University of Sunderland in 2000. His numerous accolades also include the Blue Peter "Best Nonfiction Author of the Century" Award in the U.K.
-Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
December 17, 2019
3.5
Of all the Horrible Histories books I own, I was mostly excited to read Vile Victorians because some of my favourite writers belong to this period and because the 19th century is fascinating to me. With these ideas in mind and with child-like anticipation, I picked up Terry Deary’s book hoping to learn new and disgusting things that happened during Queen Victoria's reign.
In the Introduction, Terry Deary writes that there are two kinds of histories: the horrible history and the glorious history. It really depends on the teacher if one chooses to relate the truth about that certain period or one is carried away by the great deeds of the remarkable people from the past. Also, the author warns the reader that this book is not suited for sensitive persons; therefore: "If you have a weak stomach then don’t read it or, if you have to read it, then read it with your eyes closed." (Loc. 27) Now, this is the funniest disclaimer I’ve ever read. However, I think that such a warning would have been necessary before the first chapter of Horrible Histories Gruesome Guide: London too because that book really grossed me out.
The Vile Victorians' timeline stretches from Queen Victoria's coronation in 1837 to her death in 1902 and the author highlights the good, the bad and the ugly aspects of this historical era. In this book, you will read about: Queen Victoria, Victorian childhood and its hardships, Victorian schools, games, Victorian literature, aspects of Victorian life (towns, work and funerals), strange food, Victorian army, villains and so on.
Although I was very excited to read this book, it didn't impress me as much as I’ve expected to because I already knew some of the information about Victorian Britain from the Horrible Histories TV show I watched a few years ago. Indeed, there are a lot of shocking facts that you probably didn't know and some are very hard to believe, but if you read at least one of Charles Dickens’s novels, you will notice how hard life was for the poor and for the children living in London and in other parts of Britain. Small kids were forced to work in warehouses or in mines for many hours, putting their health at risk and their lives in danger for very few money. On the other hand, Victorian schools weren’t any better either, because teachers were very harsh and the pupils were usually punished for insignificant reasons. Another topic I’ve found both interesting and sad was the way girls were selected to become maids in the Victorian household and the schedule a maid had from the moment she was awake to her bedtime.
Besides Terry Deary's jovial and witty style, I enjoyed the way he mocks writers playwright and poet for the excessive melodrama found in their works and he also gives some examples, including a small excerpt from Dickens' novel The Old Curiosity Shop. There are also a few stories that will break your heart and question the sanity of adults and human nature in general.
In the end, Terry Deary concludes that the Victorian age wasn’t overall that bad because Britain had electricity and cars at the turn of the century. The author believes that the following quote from A Tale of Two Cities would have described Victorian Britain perfectly, not only France and its tumultuous Revolution: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way."(Loc. 1300)
Of all the Horrible Histories books I own, I was mostly excited to read Vile Victorians because some of my favourite writers belong to this period and because the 19th century is fascinating to me. With these ideas in mind and with child-like anticipation, I picked up Terry Deary’s book hoping to learn new and disgusting things that happened during Queen Victoria's reign.
In the Introduction, Terry Deary writes that there are two kinds of histories: the horrible history and the glorious history. It really depends on the teacher if one chooses to relate the truth about that certain period or one is carried away by the great deeds of the remarkable people from the past. Also, the author warns the reader that this book is not suited for sensitive persons; therefore: "If you have a weak stomach then don’t read it or, if you have to read it, then read it with your eyes closed." (Loc. 27) Now, this is the funniest disclaimer I’ve ever read. However, I think that such a warning would have been necessary before the first chapter of Horrible Histories Gruesome Guide: London too because that book really grossed me out.
The Vile Victorians' timeline stretches from Queen Victoria's coronation in 1837 to her death in 1902 and the author highlights the good, the bad and the ugly aspects of this historical era. In this book, you will read about: Queen Victoria, Victorian childhood and its hardships, Victorian schools, games, Victorian literature, aspects of Victorian life (towns, work and funerals), strange food, Victorian army, villains and so on.
Although I was very excited to read this book, it didn't impress me as much as I’ve expected to because I already knew some of the information about Victorian Britain from the Horrible Histories TV show I watched a few years ago. Indeed, there are a lot of shocking facts that you probably didn't know and some are very hard to believe, but if you read at least one of Charles Dickens’s novels, you will notice how hard life was for the poor and for the children living in London and in other parts of Britain. Small kids were forced to work in warehouses or in mines for many hours, putting their health at risk and their lives in danger for very few money. On the other hand, Victorian schools weren’t any better either, because teachers were very harsh and the pupils were usually punished for insignificant reasons. Another topic I’ve found both interesting and sad was the way girls were selected to become maids in the Victorian household and the schedule a maid had from the moment she was awake to her bedtime.
Besides Terry Deary's jovial and witty style, I enjoyed the way he mocks writers playwright and poet for the excessive melodrama found in their works and he also gives some examples, including a small excerpt from Dickens' novel The Old Curiosity Shop. There are also a few stories that will break your heart and question the sanity of adults and human nature in general.
In the end, Terry Deary concludes that the Victorian age wasn’t overall that bad because Britain had electricity and cars at the turn of the century. The author believes that the following quote from A Tale of Two Cities would have described Victorian Britain perfectly, not only France and its tumultuous Revolution: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way."(Loc. 1300)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2024
I bought this book because of the series and I absolutly love it! It's quite thin, but funny and informative at the same time. I read it in one day and I recommend buying it, if you are interested in some unknown (sometimes very funny) facts about the 19th century, e.g., that Queen Victoria had bishopophobia, which lastet all her life. Or that eating a spider in butter is a cure for whooping cough.
Some of the 11 topics are:
-Vile victorian childhood
-Vile victorian schools
-Vile victorian fun and games
-Vile victoran life
-Vile victorian food
-Vile victorian villains
There's also a quiz and the whole book is illustrated with comic-like pictures.
Some of the 11 topics are:
-Vile victorian childhood
-Vile victorian schools
-Vile victorian fun and games
-Vile victoran life
-Vile victorian food
-Vile victorian villains
There's also a quiz and the whole book is illustrated with comic-like pictures.
March 6, 2014
Loved the hilarious This Is Your Life section.
On a serious note, one has to be grateful for Dickens et al highlighting the plight of common people because Vicky didn't do other than 'voice'.
Deary has the micturation taken because of his flippant and irreverent tone, yet he does get the youngsters franchised, as witnessed first hand.
July 9, 2022
I was on vacation in France with a friend. We went into this awsome second hand book store in Lyon and in a dusty corner we found this old gem.
For someone who likes to read historical novels it is super cool to learn about how people back then actually lived. This little book focuses on the vile parts of Victorian history: Death, filth, sickness, school...
It's interesting and funny. If you ever see it somewhere: Buy it and read it!
For someone who likes to read historical novels it is super cool to learn about how people back then actually lived. This little book focuses on the vile parts of Victorian history: Death, filth, sickness, school...
It's interesting and funny. If you ever see it somewhere: Buy it and read it!
April 22, 2024
I just find out that this book was first published in 1994! Whatt?! No wonder the font and the illustrations look "old school". Nevertheless, I enjoyed this book, but there're parts that quite boring to me. Because of that I took around three days to finish this book eventhough it's thin and can be done within a day.
This book compiles list of horrible things, people, events and many more that happened during the Victorian era. The illustrations made everything in this book bearable. I like it enough, but I won't hype it.
This book compiles list of horrible things, people, events and many more that happened during the Victorian era. The illustrations made everything in this book bearable. I like it enough, but I won't hype it.
April 17, 2024
I did enjoy reading about the gory details of one of my favorite time periods.
Read
June 9, 2022pls doe research over 'mary ann cotton' aka wrs de meest actieve engelse seriemoordenaar ooit, da verhaal was echt wild
November 10, 2019
Queen Victoria was the ultimate Victorian, and she was 'not' amused. Luckily YOU will be splitting your sides as you discover how disgusting the Victorians really were. They may have looked all prim and proper, but they were a jolly naughty bunch. Lots of Victorians could be vicious and violent and villainous - VILE, in fact. So read on to see... * When the first public loo was flushed * What terrible tricks Victorian urchins played on posh people
They where a vile bunch! It seemed the aim was who could live the worst and die the youngest as most children did die before they reached the age of 1. And if you did survive you had to go to school it was free but you still had to pay a penny well your parent's did but your parents didn't want you at school because you wasn't earning money or if you was a girl you wasn't home to help your mom. In all honestly i don't think you was missing out if you did go school you'd be cained and if you went to work you'd be cained or if you worked in a nail factory have a nail throught your ear and be expected you to keep working. Adults had it bad also if you made it that far if you took the underground train you was more likely to die of asphyxiation then getting to work or catching cholera from the Thames which was a glorified sewerage system. So count yourself lucky you are alive today and have what you have as the Victorian era was vile and you probably would have died.
4/5 Stars on GoodReads 🌟🌟🌟🌟
98/100 GingerPoints 🔥🔥🔥
They where a vile bunch! It seemed the aim was who could live the worst and die the youngest as most children did die before they reached the age of 1. And if you did survive you had to go to school it was free but you still had to pay a penny well your parent's did but your parents didn't want you at school because you wasn't earning money or if you was a girl you wasn't home to help your mom. In all honestly i don't think you was missing out if you did go school you'd be cained and if you went to work you'd be cained or if you worked in a nail factory have a nail throught your ear and be expected you to keep working. Adults had it bad also if you made it that far if you took the underground train you was more likely to die of asphyxiation then getting to work or catching cholera from the Thames which was a glorified sewerage system. So count yourself lucky you are alive today and have what you have as the Victorian era was vile and you probably would have died.
4/5 Stars on GoodReads 🌟🌟🌟🌟
98/100 GingerPoints 🔥🔥🔥
June 11, 2024
"Wredna wiktoriańska Anglia" to kolejna z serii Strasznej Historii pozycja, która tym razem skupia się na Anglii za czasów panowania królowej Wiktorii. Mnóstwo grafik, czarnego humoru oraz ciekawostek zamiast zasypywania nas datami. Idealna pozycja dla osób, które chcą poczytać coś lekkiego oraz z zakresu historii. Ta książka sprawdza się w zasadzie dla osób w każdym wieku - młodzi dostają treść dostosowaną do ich wieku oraz wzbogaconą w obrazki, a dorośli mają sporo frajdy i wylewającego się ze stron specyficznego humoru.
Gdyby w szkołach uczono historii w tak ciekawy sposób, jak pokazuje to Terry Deary, to byłby to ulubiony przedmiot wielu, wielu osób. Warto spróbować swoich sił z tą serią i przekonać się samemu, że historia może być fascynująca.
Gdyby w szkołach uczono historii w tak ciekawy sposób, jak pokazuje to Terry Deary, to byłby to ulubiony przedmiot wielu, wielu osób. Warto spróbować swoich sił z tą serią i przekonać się samemu, że historia może być fascynująca.
Read
August 29, 2021As always, I don't give these a numbered rating.
This one read very quickly, and was pretty interesting!
This one read very quickly, and was pretty interesting!
January 7, 2023
This was a hoot. Since they're YA/children's, I see some of them in my great-niece's future!
June 18, 2013
From BBC Radio 4 Extra:
4 Extra Debut. Terry Deary's gory and gruesome guide to vile Victorian life and death. Death, mainly. With songs and jokes. Stars Brian Bowles.
4 Extra Debut. Terry Deary's gory and gruesome guide to vile Victorian life and death. Death, mainly. With songs and jokes. Stars Brian Bowles.
August 2, 2024
... Rozpoczynając tę książkę nie spodziewałam się po niej niczego wielkiego, ale... Było jeszcze gorzej niż myślałam.
Sama książka może bardziej dotarłaby do czytelnika w wieku 7-9 lat, chociaż po tym, jak opisane są niektóre fragmenty tej książki, powiedziałabym, że jest to pozycja 9+ (patrząc na dzisiejsze standardy), a na moje to nawet 11, może 12+. Co prawda zdając sobie sprawę z tego, że epoka wiktoriańska nie była usłana fiołkami w żadnym wypadku nie spodziewałam się, że będzie to przyjemna lektura, szczególnie że nawet po okładce widać, że jest to książka przeznaczona dla dzieci, więc może być dosyć oryginalna pod względem tekstu.
Mimo wszystko nie polecałabym tej książki, uważam że opisuje ona drastyczne momentami sprawy, usiłując je przedstawić jako...zabawne?
"Pewien szesnastolatek tak znienawidził swojego strażnika, że zaatakował go siekierą. Tak fatalnie zranił mężczyznę w nogę, że musiano mu ją amputować. Chłopaka powieszono."
Tego typu fragment może nie byłby prześmiewczy, w momencie gdyby pod spodem nie znajdowała się ilustracja przedstawiająca młodego, martwego chłopaka na szubienicy, przed którym stoi sędzia w todze i krzyczy "Jeśli dalej będziesz się tak źle zachowywać, znów cię ukarzemy!"
W tej książce znajduje się więcej tego typu fragmentów, które naśmiewają się z sytuacji ciężkich, drastycznych. Dużo rzeczy jest obrazowanych, ponieważ na praktycznie każdej stronie znajduje się fragment komiksowy.
Oburza mnie też fragment na jednej z ostatnich stron, jest to część "Listy wiktoriańskich wredności", w której to autor porównuje brutalne dokonania różnych ludzi z tamtej epoki, opisując co mieli oni na sumieniu i pod koniec opisu dodając krótką adnotację "Wskazanie wrednometru: x/10".
Fragment, który konkretnie mam na myśli brzmi następująco:
" 6. Pan Sneyd-Kynnersley
Zarzut: Okrutne traktowanie dzieci.
Pan S.-K. był nauczycielem i dyrektorem elitarnej szkoły w wiktoriańskiej Anglii. Jednym z jego uczniów był artysta Roger Fry, który opisał, jak Sneyd-Kynnersley bije chłopców. Roger Fry musiał pomagać mu w chłostach.
(Dalej następuje fragment mający naśladować rękopis i opisujący to bicie)
Na środku gabinetu Sneyd-Kynnersleya stała spora skrzynia, okryta czarnym materiałem. Delikwentowi kazano spuścić spodnie i położyć się na niej. Ja wraz z drugim kolega miałem go przytrzymać. Dyrektor smagał delikwenta trzcinką x całej siły i już po paru uderzeniach na skórze pojawiały się krople krwi. Padało 15 lub 20 uderzeń i pod koniec pośladki bitego przypominały krwawą masę. Przeważnie chłopcy znosili karę w milczeniu, lecz czasami krzyczeli, wyli i wyrywali się, a ja z trudnością to wytrzymywałem. Lecz to nie było jeszcze najgorsze. Jeden z uczniów, nieokrzesany rudy Irlandczyk, sam okrutny i brutalny, zasłużył na chłostę. Nie wiem, czy specjalnie przedtem nabawił się rozwolnienia, w każdym razie poleciało z niego. Dyrektor wściekł się i zamiast przestać, dalej bił tego Irlandczyka, z jeszcze większą zajadłością, aż bryzgało na ściany i sufit gabinetu.
Wskazanie wrednometru: 7/10
I co? Nadal będziecie narzekać na swojego dyrektora?"
Ja naprawdę jestem w stanie zrozumieć dużo, jednak żartowanie i naśmiewanie się z okrucieństw różnej maści nie uważam za odpowiednie, w szczególności w książce przeznaczonej dla dzieci. Nie zliczę, ile razy w ciągu tych 128 stron lektury czytałam o jakże zabawnym według autora wieszaniu na szubienicy, a przynajmniej zakładam że jest to dla niego zabawne, jeśli pisze o tym prześmiewczo.
Mogłabym dodać o tej książce jeszcze naprawdę sporo, jednak nie chcę się aż tak rozpisywać na temat takiej kiepskiej pozycji.
Ocena: 1/5
(Niestety nie można niżej)
Sama książka może bardziej dotarłaby do czytelnika w wieku 7-9 lat, chociaż po tym, jak opisane są niektóre fragmenty tej książki, powiedziałabym, że jest to pozycja 9+ (patrząc na dzisiejsze standardy), a na moje to nawet 11, może 12+. Co prawda zdając sobie sprawę z tego, że epoka wiktoriańska nie była usłana fiołkami w żadnym wypadku nie spodziewałam się, że będzie to przyjemna lektura, szczególnie że nawet po okładce widać, że jest to książka przeznaczona dla dzieci, więc może być dosyć oryginalna pod względem tekstu.
Mimo wszystko nie polecałabym tej książki, uważam że opisuje ona drastyczne momentami sprawy, usiłując je przedstawić jako...zabawne?
"Pewien szesnastolatek tak znienawidził swojego strażnika, że zaatakował go siekierą. Tak fatalnie zranił mężczyznę w nogę, że musiano mu ją amputować. Chłopaka powieszono."
Tego typu fragment może nie byłby prześmiewczy, w momencie gdyby pod spodem nie znajdowała się ilustracja przedstawiająca młodego, martwego chłopaka na szubienicy, przed którym stoi sędzia w todze i krzyczy "Jeśli dalej będziesz się tak źle zachowywać, znów cię ukarzemy!"
W tej książce znajduje się więcej tego typu fragmentów, które naśmiewają się z sytuacji ciężkich, drastycznych. Dużo rzeczy jest obrazowanych, ponieważ na praktycznie każdej stronie znajduje się fragment komiksowy.
Oburza mnie też fragment na jednej z ostatnich stron, jest to część "Listy wiktoriańskich wredności", w której to autor porównuje brutalne dokonania różnych ludzi z tamtej epoki, opisując co mieli oni na sumieniu i pod koniec opisu dodając krótką adnotację "Wskazanie wrednometru: x/10".
Fragment, który konkretnie mam na myśli brzmi następująco:
" 6. Pan Sneyd-Kynnersley
Zarzut: Okrutne traktowanie dzieci.
Pan S.-K. był nauczycielem i dyrektorem elitarnej szkoły w wiktoriańskiej Anglii. Jednym z jego uczniów był artysta Roger Fry, który opisał, jak Sneyd-Kynnersley bije chłopców. Roger Fry musiał pomagać mu w chłostach.
(Dalej następuje fragment mający naśladować rękopis i opisujący to bicie)
Na środku gabinetu Sneyd-Kynnersleya stała spora skrzynia, okryta czarnym materiałem. Delikwentowi kazano spuścić spodnie i położyć się na niej. Ja wraz z drugim kolega miałem go przytrzymać. Dyrektor smagał delikwenta trzcinką x całej siły i już po paru uderzeniach na skórze pojawiały się krople krwi. Padało 15 lub 20 uderzeń i pod koniec pośladki bitego przypominały krwawą masę. Przeważnie chłopcy znosili karę w milczeniu, lecz czasami krzyczeli, wyli i wyrywali się, a ja z trudnością to wytrzymywałem. Lecz to nie było jeszcze najgorsze. Jeden z uczniów, nieokrzesany rudy Irlandczyk, sam okrutny i brutalny, zasłużył na chłostę. Nie wiem, czy specjalnie przedtem nabawił się rozwolnienia, w każdym razie poleciało z niego. Dyrektor wściekł się i zamiast przestać, dalej bił tego Irlandczyka, z jeszcze większą zajadłością, aż bryzgało na ściany i sufit gabinetu.
Wskazanie wrednometru: 7/10
I co? Nadal będziecie narzekać na swojego dyrektora?"
Ja naprawdę jestem w stanie zrozumieć dużo, jednak żartowanie i naśmiewanie się z okrucieństw różnej maści nie uważam za odpowiednie, w szczególności w książce przeznaczonej dla dzieci. Nie zliczę, ile razy w ciągu tych 128 stron lektury czytałam o jakże zabawnym według autora wieszaniu na szubienicy, a przynajmniej zakładam że jest to dla niego zabawne, jeśli pisze o tym prześmiewczo.
Mogłabym dodać o tej książce jeszcze naprawdę sporo, jednak nie chcę się aż tak rozpisywać na temat takiej kiepskiej pozycji.
Ocena: 1/5
(Niestety nie można niżej)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2018
Another terrific Horrible Histories read! Not quite as good as “Villainous Victorians” but pretty close! It is filled with fascinating facts and in true Horrible Histories fashion, provides an array of tidbits that I likely wouldn’t have read about in any other average textbook. It’s difficult to put these books down, they’re so witty and full of life. A lot is said about Queen Victoria herself in this one and about the army and such. There’s even a couple of interesting recipes I wouldn’t mind trying! Thoroughly enjoyable, recommended to every age!
August 13, 2019
This is such a seminal period I felt Terry only scratched its surface. I wanted it to be more - bigger, greater- and touching on the subject of monarchy which it didn't.... Presenting Queen V as a bore wasn't the way too go - good or bad, the woman was fascinating!
December 26, 2017
Wickedly funny, the book’s title is not an understatement of the stinky, death fascinated, unlikely to grow beyond the age of five Victorians. Quite some ideas they had, I couldn’t stop reading!
October 22, 2020
it was very good
October 30, 2022
Hated kids anyways
September 14, 2024
didnt enjoy as much as the tudors
some fun facts i learned
- victoria proposed to albert
- baby farms and how awful kids had it
some fun facts i learned
- victoria proposed to albert
- baby farms and how awful kids had it
July 23, 2025
Fun book!
Learned a lot of new things! Would recommend even if ur not a child heheheh
Learned a lot of new things! Would recommend even if ur not a child heheheh
November 17, 2025
I read a lot of horrible histories books as a child so thank you book club for picking this and providing the nostalgia 🫶
October 30, 2025
Funny and educational
June 15, 2017
This is the book I enjoyed the book I enjoyed the most of all the horrible history books I have read. I learnt so many interesting facts about the Victorians just by reading this book. It may be quite gruesome, but I am sure you will enjoy it.
August 30, 2011
I liked this book because it talks to you (as the reader). It is very clever in grabbing the attention of a child and encouraging them to learn in a way that is on their level of understanding. The book connects with the children by making funny jokes and comments at the same time as educating them on interesting facts. There is lots to learn about the Victorians and these books are really funny and easy to understand. They are straight to the point and the author words the information in a way which children will understand and enjoy reading.
As well as the facts and stories within the book, the illustrations are funny and eye catching. All of the books from this range by the same author can be easily identified just from looking at the front cover and the title 'Horrible Histories'. This title will grab a childs' attention because children appear to be interested in gruesome stories and things they can compare their experiences with e.g. how victorian children lived.
This book is educational in a discrete way which makes it appealing to children. I too found it interesting and informative without it being boring to read.
Great book! Would definitely read the others...
As well as the facts and stories within the book, the illustrations are funny and eye catching. All of the books from this range by the same author can be easily identified just from looking at the front cover and the title 'Horrible Histories'. This title will grab a childs' attention because children appear to be interested in gruesome stories and things they can compare their experiences with e.g. how victorian children lived.
This book is educational in a discrete way which makes it appealing to children. I too found it interesting and informative without it being boring to read.
Great book! Would definitely read the others...
September 8, 2015
As a child history was one of my favourite school subjects thus making Horrible Histories the perfect books for me.
Nowadays children have the television series yet I belong to the older group that had the books. Personally, I believe any child who has an interest in history should give these books a go. They’re truly gripping and so many topics are covered.
Honestly, Horrible Histories are well worth a read.
Nowadays children have the television series yet I belong to the older group that had the books. Personally, I believe any child who has an interest in history should give these books a go. They’re truly gripping and so many topics are covered.
Honestly, Horrible Histories are well worth a read.
January 30, 2018
Horrible Histories :Vile Victorians by Terry Deary
This story is about a mouse teach us some information of history the mouse show us some kings and queens.I learn many more details with this book.
This story is about a mouse teach us some information of history the mouse show us some kings and queens.I learn many more details with this book.
October 29, 2020
I love this Horrible History series and have quite a few books in my collection.
I used to think that the Victorian era was one of the best time periods to live in, thanks to the ‘Classics’ that I’ve read. But after reading this book, my opinion changed completely. I’m glad that times have changed and we don’t have to face the hardships of the Victorian people. I didn’t know that all children had to work from a young age – I used to think that only orphaned children were forced to. It’s appalling that children as young as 4 years old had to work as chimney sweeps, take care of the younger siblings and do other household chores. (And I thought they must have had an idyllic childhood.) The women had a hard life as well, what with getting married at an early age, giving birth every other year, surviving multiple childbirths, looking after a house full of kids and chores lined up throughout the day (just like the housemaids) without modern kitchen and household equipment to help them. Worst of all were the unhygienic living conditions. Sewage water getting mixed up with drinking water : Disgusting!
I used to think that the Victorian era was one of the best time periods to live in, thanks to the ‘Classics’ that I’ve read. But after reading this book, my opinion changed completely. I’m glad that times have changed and we don’t have to face the hardships of the Victorian people. I didn’t know that all children had to work from a young age – I used to think that only orphaned children were forced to. It’s appalling that children as young as 4 years old had to work as chimney sweeps, take care of the younger siblings and do other household chores. (And I thought they must have had an idyllic childhood.) The women had a hard life as well, what with getting married at an early age, giving birth every other year, surviving multiple childbirths, looking after a house full of kids and chores lined up throughout the day (just like the housemaids) without modern kitchen and household equipment to help them. Worst of all were the unhygienic living conditions. Sewage water getting mixed up with drinking water : Disgusting!
January 2, 2019
Funny and fascinating in equal measure.
I think the people who complain about these books don’t realise how many facts these books contain. In this one there are references to battles, important literature of the time, (even has a copy of Charge of the Light Brigade), crime, poverty etc. Some of the facts are not always hundred percent trustworthy (for example Queen Victoria not paying a bill for food in Newcastle) but is based on similar facts which is a great way to springboard for the readers to take up research of their own.
The illustrations are brilliant, and I love a lot of the puns.
These are great reads for being able to pick and put down and jump around or to read all in one go.
A very funny but also very informative read on a very interesting period of history. Would recommend for children and adults alike.
I think the people who complain about these books don’t realise how many facts these books contain. In this one there are references to battles, important literature of the time, (even has a copy of Charge of the Light Brigade), crime, poverty etc. Some of the facts are not always hundred percent trustworthy (for example Queen Victoria not paying a bill for food in Newcastle) but is based on similar facts which is a great way to springboard for the readers to take up research of their own.
The illustrations are brilliant, and I love a lot of the puns.
These are great reads for being able to pick and put down and jump around or to read all in one go.
A very funny but also very informative read on a very interesting period of history. Would recommend for children and adults alike.
April 21, 2020
I have respect for anyone who can take history, make it fun, disseminate facts and historical information and make you laugh along the way. I’ve always loved history and these books deliver it in a way that you can only enjoy!
The Vile Victorians is a great (and gruesome) period of history and I love that this book doesn’t shy away from perhaps the more gorier side of history and certainly doesn’t sugar coat past historical events but delivers it in a light hearted, informative but suitable way for the younger kids.
It makes interesting and funny accounts of historical events and times, with hilarious facts and great illustrations. It’s informative and you can take plenty away from this book, absorbing more than you think you will!
The Vile Victorians is a great (and gruesome) period of history and I love that this book doesn’t shy away from perhaps the more gorier side of history and certainly doesn’t sugar coat past historical events but delivers it in a light hearted, informative but suitable way for the younger kids.
It makes interesting and funny accounts of historical events and times, with hilarious facts and great illustrations. It’s informative and you can take plenty away from this book, absorbing more than you think you will!
April 28, 2024
Vile Victorians is a humorous exploration of the Victorian era, offering an engaging and lighthearted take on the period. The book, part of the Horrible Histories series by Terry Deary, uses witty language and illustrations to delve into the customs, culture, and events of the time. The mix of dark humor with historical facts creates an entertaining yet educational read. The book covers various aspects of Victorian life, from the Industrial Revolution to notable figures and events, making it an accessible introduction to the era. While the comedic approach may not appeal to those seeking a serious in-depth study, the book is a delightful and enjoyable read for history enthusiasts and younger audiences.
4/10
4/10
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