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The Peasants' Revolting Crimes
Popular history writer Terry Deary takes us on a light-hearted and often humorous romp through the centuries with Mr & Mrs Peasant, recounting foul and dastardly deeds committed by the underclasses, as well as the punishments meted out by those on the ‘right side’ of the law. Discover tales of arsonists and axe-wielders, grave robbers and garroters, poisoners and prostitutes. Delve into the dark histories of beggars, swindlers, forgers, sheep rustlers and a whole host of other felons from the lower ranks of society who have veered off the straight and narrow. There are stories of highwaymen and hooligans, violent gangs, clashing clans and the witch trials that shocked a nation. Learn too about the impoverished workers who raised a riot opposing crippling taxes and draconian laws, as well as the strikers and machine-smashers who thumped out their grievances against new technologies that threatened their livelihoods. Britain has never been short of those who have been prepared to flout the law of the land for the common good, or for their own despicable purposes. The upper classes have lorded and hoarded their wealth for centuries of British history, often to the disadvantage of the impoverished. Frustration in the face of this has resulted in revolt. Read all about it here! This entertaining book is packed full of revolting acts and acts of revolt, revealing how ordinary folk – from nasty Normans to present-day lawbreakers – have left an extraordinary trail of criminality behind them. The often gruesome penalties exacted in retribution reveal a great deal about some of the most fascinating eras of British history.
- GenresHistoryNonfiction
216 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2019
About the author
Terry Deary
780 books851 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 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 23, 2019
"Crime is news. The human race...is fascinated by the misdeeds of others...And the 'curiouser' the crime, the more curious the reader." [curiouser-a "quaintly cobbled word" provided by Lewis Carroll] "When a dog bites a man, that is not news, because it happens so often. But if a man bites a dog, that is news." -John B. Bogart (1848-1921)
In the 1100's, villages would challenge each other to a "Mob Football" match. "Both teams rush for the ball and try to score by kicking the ball over the other team's goaline. No murder or manslaughter allowed. Apart from that...no rules really." In the 1500's, attempts were made to outlaw football arguing that it "causes beastly fury and extreme violence." The game continued to be "much in vogue". In the 1800's, it was suggested that "after playing a good game of football, young men are more glad to go to bed than visiting the public house. So football is credited with SAVING the workers from the evils of liquor."
In the early 1730's, "the idea of robbers as gentlemen of the road ...[the] aura of polite pilferer persists against all the evidence..." Dick Turpin was a "highway villain... robbed stagecoaches but was always very polite...especially to ladies...All...legend...all mistaken. At one isolated farm...an old farmer's wife was roasted over her own fire..." until she told Turpin where her money was hidden!
1789, Quarter Day. The rector was expected to collect rent from the peasantry and transfer these payments to officers of the Crown. Oh, no! The rector died just prior to collection day. His wife concocted a plan. She had "...immersed the corpse in vinegar...He was well and truly pickled. On Quarter Day, she rinsed off the corpse, dressed it and propped it in his chair...the tenants paid up." She set the rectory ablaze and absconded with the rent money. The rector's widow had committed both fraud and arson.
"The Peasants' Revolting Crimes" by Terry Deary is a lighthearted, fact-filled history of ghastly crimes and equally gruesome punishments. Did you know about the Halifax Gibbet, a head slicing device used for petty theft committed by "peasant pilferers"? "Lifting shopper suffered chopper". Did you know that the word "quack" comes from the old Dutch word 'quacksalver"-"someone who quacks (boasts) about the virtues of his salves and medicine?" A highly recommended tome.
Thank you Pen and Sword History and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review "The Peasants' Revolting Crimes".
In the 1100's, villages would challenge each other to a "Mob Football" match. "Both teams rush for the ball and try to score by kicking the ball over the other team's goaline. No murder or manslaughter allowed. Apart from that...no rules really." In the 1500's, attempts were made to outlaw football arguing that it "causes beastly fury and extreme violence." The game continued to be "much in vogue". In the 1800's, it was suggested that "after playing a good game of football, young men are more glad to go to bed than visiting the public house. So football is credited with SAVING the workers from the evils of liquor."
In the early 1730's, "the idea of robbers as gentlemen of the road ...[the] aura of polite pilferer persists against all the evidence..." Dick Turpin was a "highway villain... robbed stagecoaches but was always very polite...especially to ladies...All...legend...all mistaken. At one isolated farm...an old farmer's wife was roasted over her own fire..." until she told Turpin where her money was hidden!
1789, Quarter Day. The rector was expected to collect rent from the peasantry and transfer these payments to officers of the Crown. Oh, no! The rector died just prior to collection day. His wife concocted a plan. She had "...immersed the corpse in vinegar...He was well and truly pickled. On Quarter Day, she rinsed off the corpse, dressed it and propped it in his chair...the tenants paid up." She set the rectory ablaze and absconded with the rent money. The rector's widow had committed both fraud and arson.
"The Peasants' Revolting Crimes" by Terry Deary is a lighthearted, fact-filled history of ghastly crimes and equally gruesome punishments. Did you know about the Halifax Gibbet, a head slicing device used for petty theft committed by "peasant pilferers"? "Lifting shopper suffered chopper". Did you know that the word "quack" comes from the old Dutch word 'quacksalver"-"someone who quacks (boasts) about the virtues of his salves and medicine?" A highly recommended tome.
Thank you Pen and Sword History and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review "The Peasants' Revolting Crimes".
November 23, 2019
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To be added to Amazon UK on 2nd February 2020 - paperback release day!
I thought that this book was excellent!
It was full of fun facts, the writing style was brilliant as I had expected from reading some of this author’s previous books and I was giggling at some of the witty comments and sometimes inappropriate things said!
I read the book over the space of a few days as it is one that you can easily dip in and out of and it was a book I genuinely looked forward to picking up. The layout and chapter length was spot on too.
It was interesting and informative - it is 5 stars from me for this one, I thought it was excellent - jam packed full of facts, and fun too - very highly recommended!!
To be added to Amazon UK on 2nd February 2020 - paperback release day!
I thought that this book was excellent!
It was full of fun facts, the writing style was brilliant as I had expected from reading some of this author’s previous books and I was giggling at some of the witty comments and sometimes inappropriate things said!
I read the book over the space of a few days as it is one that you can easily dip in and out of and it was a book I genuinely looked forward to picking up. The layout and chapter length was spot on too.
It was interesting and informative - it is 5 stars from me for this one, I thought it was excellent - jam packed full of facts, and fun too - very highly recommended!!
September 30, 2019
This is the kind of book that makes history accessible and fun. There are a lot of interesting facts written in a way that flows easily. I found myself laughing out loud quite often. Highly recommended!
This unbiased review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
This unbiased review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
December 26, 2019
Fun historical facts with a twisted sense of humour #history #non-fiction Thanks to Rosie Croft from Pen & Sword for sending me an early paperback copy of this book, which I freely chose to read and review.
I’ve long been intrigued by the Horrible Stories books, and when I saw the stage adaptation advertised, I thought about going to watch it, but, as was the case with the books, I never managed to make it. That, combined with my interest in criminology and the criminal justice system (particularly in the UK), made this book irresistible. Although I cannot compare it to other books by the authors, and must warn readers that this is, by no means, a book written for children, I loved every minute of it. The author combines a vast number of UK historical (and also some fairly recent) facts and events, with a sharp sense of humour (beware of papercuts. Some pages ooze poison), to the point of crossing into satire and black humour at times. The book shows a great deal of social consciousness, and it is far from complacent with the status quo, but it does not glamorise “peasant criminals” either, and it is harsh on popular renderings of figures like the highway man (Dick Turpin is no favourite), or pirates.
Deary explains in his introduction (after three great quotes, and there are many interspersed throughout the whole text) the reason why he decided to write the book. He observes that most books and plays featuring crimes and criminals tend to focus on kings, queens, or high-class characters (he mentions Shakespeare and Agatha Christie), and even when lower class characters are mentioned, they are not usually the heroes or the central figures. And he decided it was time to put it right, and here we have this book. As you can imagine from the topic and the title, there is plenty of gore, detailed accounts of crimes and punishments, and despite the wit and the humour, I’d recommend caution to those who prefer a truly light and cosy read.
The book is divided into seven chapters, plus the already mentioned introduction, an epilogue where the author reflects upon how little things have changed over the years, and an index. The chapters seem to follow a chronological order (or almost): Norman Nastiness, Mediaeval Misery, Wild Women, Tudor Twisters, Sinful Stuarts, Quaint Crimes, Georgian Jokers and Victorian Villains, but the content of each individual chapter is not limited to the period mentioned in the title. Every chapter focuses on a series of crimes that became typified or described for the first time in that historical period, or that are particularly associated with it, but Deary sometimes includes recent examples of similar crimes, to compare the types of punishment then and now or to emphasise the fact that history repeats itself and certain things change little, if at all. Although I have lived in the UK for many years, I didn’t grow up here, and there are periods of UK history and events that I’m not familiar with, so it is likely that much of the information that was new to me might be well-known to others, but the author presents it in an entertaining and seemingly light-hearted manner (I’d leave that to readers’ interpretation and opinion) that makes the book impossible to put down and the facts stick in one’s mind.
I, for one, was fascinated to read about football hooligans and their shenanigans as far back as the 1100s, about clan clashes, to discover the origin of ‘brawling’ (quarrelling in a church or a churchyard), to read about wife-selling (and how it often seemed to be a good option if divorce was not an option and both parties wanted out, no matter how illegal)… And yes, husband-selling also took place. Deary writes also about peasant revolts, about the machine wreckers of the Industrial Revolution era, or the many attempts on Queen Victoria’s life. I don’t want to spoil the book for you, so I won’t go into more detail, but apart from managing to cover a lot of ground, and having a knack for finding the perfect quote, Deary’s sharp wit and his talent for highlighting the connections between historical events and the present make this book a must read for those interested in crime, criminology, and UK history in general. Especially if they have a slightly twisted sense of humour.
I marked so many pages of the book that I had difficulty choosing a few to share here, but I’ll try to give you some sense of what you might expect from the book.
Here is one of his notes (they are priceless) in reference to Shakespeare’s Titus Andronicus.
Some critics interpret eating your sons, not so much as ‘cannibalism’ as ‘incest’. Whatever the legality of eating your children, just don’t try it at home.
In Chapter 2, Mediaeval History:
Peasants were at the bottom of the feudal system pyramid. And if you were at the bottom of a pyramid you’d be crushed. As if that weren’t enough, your evil lord made you work like a slave labourer; meanwhile, your Good Lord sent you something to help relieve your misery. He sent you plagues.
This reflection seemed particularly relevant to some recent events in my country.
The Seditious Meeting Act was passed in March 1817. What constituted ‘sedition’, you might ask? Well, like ‘treason’, pretty much anything the Lord Lieutenants of the counties fancied, really.
The book ends in a hopeful note, well, sort of, but not quite.
In summary, this is a great book for people interested in the history of crime and the criminal justice system (and history in general) in the UK, particularly if they enjoy a humorous and ironic take on received wisdom. I am sure fans of Deary will enjoy it as well, but, despite the cover, this is not a book for young children, and I’d advise parents to check it out to decide its suitability for themselves. The book’s back cover states that the author is working on The Peasants’ Revolting… Lives, and I’ve added it to my wish list already.
I’ve long been intrigued by the Horrible Stories books, and when I saw the stage adaptation advertised, I thought about going to watch it, but, as was the case with the books, I never managed to make it. That, combined with my interest in criminology and the criminal justice system (particularly in the UK), made this book irresistible. Although I cannot compare it to other books by the authors, and must warn readers that this is, by no means, a book written for children, I loved every minute of it. The author combines a vast number of UK historical (and also some fairly recent) facts and events, with a sharp sense of humour (beware of papercuts. Some pages ooze poison), to the point of crossing into satire and black humour at times. The book shows a great deal of social consciousness, and it is far from complacent with the status quo, but it does not glamorise “peasant criminals” either, and it is harsh on popular renderings of figures like the highway man (Dick Turpin is no favourite), or pirates.
Deary explains in his introduction (after three great quotes, and there are many interspersed throughout the whole text) the reason why he decided to write the book. He observes that most books and plays featuring crimes and criminals tend to focus on kings, queens, or high-class characters (he mentions Shakespeare and Agatha Christie), and even when lower class characters are mentioned, they are not usually the heroes or the central figures. And he decided it was time to put it right, and here we have this book. As you can imagine from the topic and the title, there is plenty of gore, detailed accounts of crimes and punishments, and despite the wit and the humour, I’d recommend caution to those who prefer a truly light and cosy read.
The book is divided into seven chapters, plus the already mentioned introduction, an epilogue where the author reflects upon how little things have changed over the years, and an index. The chapters seem to follow a chronological order (or almost): Norman Nastiness, Mediaeval Misery, Wild Women, Tudor Twisters, Sinful Stuarts, Quaint Crimes, Georgian Jokers and Victorian Villains, but the content of each individual chapter is not limited to the period mentioned in the title. Every chapter focuses on a series of crimes that became typified or described for the first time in that historical period, or that are particularly associated with it, but Deary sometimes includes recent examples of similar crimes, to compare the types of punishment then and now or to emphasise the fact that history repeats itself and certain things change little, if at all. Although I have lived in the UK for many years, I didn’t grow up here, and there are periods of UK history and events that I’m not familiar with, so it is likely that much of the information that was new to me might be well-known to others, but the author presents it in an entertaining and seemingly light-hearted manner (I’d leave that to readers’ interpretation and opinion) that makes the book impossible to put down and the facts stick in one’s mind.
I, for one, was fascinated to read about football hooligans and their shenanigans as far back as the 1100s, about clan clashes, to discover the origin of ‘brawling’ (quarrelling in a church or a churchyard), to read about wife-selling (and how it often seemed to be a good option if divorce was not an option and both parties wanted out, no matter how illegal)… And yes, husband-selling also took place. Deary writes also about peasant revolts, about the machine wreckers of the Industrial Revolution era, or the many attempts on Queen Victoria’s life. I don’t want to spoil the book for you, so I won’t go into more detail, but apart from managing to cover a lot of ground, and having a knack for finding the perfect quote, Deary’s sharp wit and his talent for highlighting the connections between historical events and the present make this book a must read for those interested in crime, criminology, and UK history in general. Especially if they have a slightly twisted sense of humour.
I marked so many pages of the book that I had difficulty choosing a few to share here, but I’ll try to give you some sense of what you might expect from the book.
Here is one of his notes (they are priceless) in reference to Shakespeare’s Titus Andronicus.
Some critics interpret eating your sons, not so much as ‘cannibalism’ as ‘incest’. Whatever the legality of eating your children, just don’t try it at home.
In Chapter 2, Mediaeval History:
Peasants were at the bottom of the feudal system pyramid. And if you were at the bottom of a pyramid you’d be crushed. As if that weren’t enough, your evil lord made you work like a slave labourer; meanwhile, your Good Lord sent you something to help relieve your misery. He sent you plagues.
This reflection seemed particularly relevant to some recent events in my country.
The Seditious Meeting Act was passed in March 1817. What constituted ‘sedition’, you might ask? Well, like ‘treason’, pretty much anything the Lord Lieutenants of the counties fancied, really.
The book ends in a hopeful note, well, sort of, but not quite.
In summary, this is a great book for people interested in the history of crime and the criminal justice system (and history in general) in the UK, particularly if they enjoy a humorous and ironic take on received wisdom. I am sure fans of Deary will enjoy it as well, but, despite the cover, this is not a book for young children, and I’d advise parents to check it out to decide its suitability for themselves. The book’s back cover states that the author is working on The Peasants’ Revolting… Lives, and I’ve added it to my wish list already.
November 3, 2020
This is a fabulous and very funny book of all the crimes in history and is a very good reference book for examining and a level history into crime worth every penny.
January 14, 2026
An interesting assortment of stories and information about historical crimes. There is a restrained dose of the usual humour Deary is famous for in Horrible Histories but it definitely reads as more mature.
July 24, 2019
Disclaimer: ARC via Netgalley.
This book uses my favorite Terry Pratchett quote. You know, the one about fire and man.
Yep, that one. Now you want to read it don’t you?
So, I don’t have to say anything else, do I?
Oh, alright.
Deary’s book lists crimes committed by the little people. These include women who murdered their husbands (who sometimes deserved it), Dick Turpin (who wasn’t hot), the Fairy Flag (you’re understand when you read it), the morality of the Fairy Flag among other stories.
There is also the wonderment of a why is there always just one survivor. Though that girl who ran ten miles while injured was bad ass.
The history is done tongue in cheek, but actually does raise some good points. Like did the Stuarts kill Shakespeare? (Seriously, it doesn’t really ask that question, but he did die during the Stuarts, so anything is possible).
There are even sports. I knew Chaucer was a bit of a football hooligan but there is a bunch of other football stories that seem to indicate that English fans have calmed down a bit. There is a bit about assassinations. The one about the Egyptians.
Like the mention of Turpin above, some of the cases are famous, for instance Mary Ann Cotton, but most are not as popular or well known. So, there are little gems -such as what some women did to the dead members of an army as well as letting you know what the difference between blackmail and settlement is. This is important for your future.
And the quotes. Oh, the wonderful quotes. Learning history should always be this fun.
This book uses my favorite Terry Pratchett quote. You know, the one about fire and man.
Yep, that one. Now you want to read it don’t you?
So, I don’t have to say anything else, do I?
Oh, alright.
Deary’s book lists crimes committed by the little people. These include women who murdered their husbands (who sometimes deserved it), Dick Turpin (who wasn’t hot), the Fairy Flag (you’re understand when you read it), the morality of the Fairy Flag among other stories.
There is also the wonderment of a why is there always just one survivor. Though that girl who ran ten miles while injured was bad ass.
The history is done tongue in cheek, but actually does raise some good points. Like did the Stuarts kill Shakespeare? (Seriously, it doesn’t really ask that question, but he did die during the Stuarts, so anything is possible).
There are even sports. I knew Chaucer was a bit of a football hooligan but there is a bunch of other football stories that seem to indicate that English fans have calmed down a bit. There is a bit about assassinations. The one about the Egyptians.
Like the mention of Turpin above, some of the cases are famous, for instance Mary Ann Cotton, but most are not as popular or well known. So, there are little gems -such as what some women did to the dead members of an army as well as letting you know what the difference between blackmail and settlement is. This is important for your future.
And the quotes. Oh, the wonderful quotes. Learning history should always be this fun.
August 23, 2019
I really enjoyed this book by Terry Deary. I felt like he was sitting on my shoulder reading it aloud to me. Some very iontersting facts but some parts I did find a bit boring.
Loved all the Quotes spaced thoughout and I did learn a good few things. Including bursting my Dick Turpin being a good looking Highwayman bubble!! The Poor Peasants, rich get rich and the poor suffer, sometimes horrifically!!!
Thanks to Netgalley and Pen and sword History for the ARC. My review is my own opinion.
Will Add review to Amazon once the book is published.
Loved all the Quotes spaced thoughout and I did learn a good few things. Including bursting my Dick Turpin being a good looking Highwayman bubble!! The Poor Peasants, rich get rich and the poor suffer, sometimes horrifically!!!
Thanks to Netgalley and Pen and sword History for the ARC. My review is my own opinion.
Will Add review to Amazon once the book is published.
August 24, 2019
This was a well written book. This is my first time reading anything from Terry Deary. The stories were well written and entertaining. A few of my favorites where of the Peasants getting revenge on the rich people.
If you want a quick and entertaining read, I recommend this book.
Rating 3.5
If you want a quick and entertaining read, I recommend this book.
Rating 3.5
February 9, 2020
This is a funny little guide to "The Peasants' Revolting Crimes" through history. History doesn't have to be 'dead serious' all the time, and this book shows that history can be fun as well (although the peasants described in this book probably wouldn't agree). This book describes revolts that occurred in England from the Normans to Victorians. I really enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to the continuation, "The Peasants Revolting ... Lives".
November 18, 2019
You might know Terry Deary from his best-selling Horrible History books. If so, the format of The Peasants’ Revolting…Crimes will come as no surprise. This is a rapid-fire, no-holds-barred romp through most of British history, with nods to Shakespeare, Dickens, and the Holy Bible along the way, emphasizing the criminal activities of the underclass and the often violent reactions of those in power. It was ever thus is the clear message.
Deary begins in the Norman period with a range of anecdotes, including the origins of football violence, but his chronological grasp is slippery even venturing into the 18th Century and the story of Dick Turpin – this happens in all the chapters. The Mediaeval World brings more petty crimes and brutal punishment but also peasant revolts like Wat Tyler’s in 1381 and Owain Glyndwr in 1400. Deary starts his chapter on Wild Women with the story of the Border Reivers before coming to the Maria Marten case from 1828. The ‘female’ crimes of poisoning and infanticide also receive Deary’s treatment. Then we are back into the Tudor period for more crimes, some of which were met with burning and boiling. We also meet the mistreated vagrants and beggars. The Stuart era brought witches to the fore and more judicial excess. Deary continues with a chapter on quaint crimes such as quackery and wife-buying, though garrotting was not so quaint. Deary concludes with a chapter of Georgian and Victorian crimes before a pessimistic epilogue that there will probably always be poor people that receive the short end of the judicial stick, but we should hope for better things anyway.
I did not know quite what to make of The Peasants’ Revolting…Crimes. Deary describes himself as a subversive but not a historian, which is a neat ‘get out of jail’ clause but does not quite wash. This is a history book and it has an underlying class-driven thesis. But that is not the problem. On the surface, this skips along, and the interspersed jokes and pithy quotes help with the flow. It is funny too in parts. There is, however, a very dark undercurrent to most of the stories and in each one somebody suffered, sometimes horribly. I found it hard to overlook that fact, but I suspect I am not the intended audience, so other readers might take it on face value better than I did.
Deary begins in the Norman period with a range of anecdotes, including the origins of football violence, but his chronological grasp is slippery even venturing into the 18th Century and the story of Dick Turpin – this happens in all the chapters. The Mediaeval World brings more petty crimes and brutal punishment but also peasant revolts like Wat Tyler’s in 1381 and Owain Glyndwr in 1400. Deary starts his chapter on Wild Women with the story of the Border Reivers before coming to the Maria Marten case from 1828. The ‘female’ crimes of poisoning and infanticide also receive Deary’s treatment. Then we are back into the Tudor period for more crimes, some of which were met with burning and boiling. We also meet the mistreated vagrants and beggars. The Stuart era brought witches to the fore and more judicial excess. Deary continues with a chapter on quaint crimes such as quackery and wife-buying, though garrotting was not so quaint. Deary concludes with a chapter of Georgian and Victorian crimes before a pessimistic epilogue that there will probably always be poor people that receive the short end of the judicial stick, but we should hope for better things anyway.
I did not know quite what to make of The Peasants’ Revolting…Crimes. Deary describes himself as a subversive but not a historian, which is a neat ‘get out of jail’ clause but does not quite wash. This is a history book and it has an underlying class-driven thesis. But that is not the problem. On the surface, this skips along, and the interspersed jokes and pithy quotes help with the flow. It is funny too in parts. There is, however, a very dark undercurrent to most of the stories and in each one somebody suffered, sometimes horribly. I found it hard to overlook that fact, but I suspect I am not the intended audience, so other readers might take it on face value better than I did.
January 9, 2020
In a similar format to his 'Horrible Histories' books, Deary takes a sometimes humorous look at history. He has a wide definition of 'peasant' but he's generally referring to the 95% of society with limited means and no property for the majority of history.
August 12, 2019
Terry Deary is of course most famous for his ever popular Horrible Histories series which contain interesting details and a large amount of information along with humorous pictures. Although aimed at children they do also appeal to adults and I wonder how many both young and old have gained an interest in history by reading his books. Here we find Deary looking at British history from the bottom up rather than from the usual presentation deriving from the history of Kings and Queens and the powerful.
Although the writing is light hearted and humorous it nevertheless contains a multitude of facts and information that shows that there has always been an egalitarian tradition in this country that was prone to constant suppression. Revolt in the face of repression is a theme running through the centuries. There is much ground covered here as he also looks at the underside of society with highwaymen, hooligans, forgers and sheep rustlers. Witches, grave robbers and garroters are just some of the other subjects covered in this extensive but always accessible foray into the real often covered up story of the past. Recommended for both young and old this may well lead the reader onto further study.
Although the writing is light hearted and humorous it nevertheless contains a multitude of facts and information that shows that there has always been an egalitarian tradition in this country that was prone to constant suppression. Revolt in the face of repression is a theme running through the centuries. There is much ground covered here as he also looks at the underside of society with highwaymen, hooligans, forgers and sheep rustlers. Witches, grave robbers and garroters are just some of the other subjects covered in this extensive but always accessible foray into the real often covered up story of the past. Recommended for both young and old this may well lead the reader onto further study.
August 7, 2019
I was sent a arc of this book via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
Being a big fan of Horrible Histories I was really interested to see how Terry would write for a more mature audience and I was happy to find out that his sense of humour is still very much present. The amusing quotes throughout helped to lighten a sometimes dark topic such as revolts and the oppression that people went through, though some did make me roll my eyes. I actually enjoyed the section on the history of football! Which I never thought I'd say, if football was more like it was back then with no rules and violence I'd be more interested in watching it. There are the usual tales of murder, robbery and body snatching but there are also the less usual selling of spouses and impersonating a Egyptian. If you enjoy reading about the darker side of history with a sense of fun (and dad jokes) give this a go!
Being a big fan of Horrible Histories I was really interested to see how Terry would write for a more mature audience and I was happy to find out that his sense of humour is still very much present. The amusing quotes throughout helped to lighten a sometimes dark topic such as revolts and the oppression that people went through, though some did make me roll my eyes. I actually enjoyed the section on the history of football! Which I never thought I'd say, if football was more like it was back then with no rules and violence I'd be more interested in watching it. There are the usual tales of murder, robbery and body snatching but there are also the less usual selling of spouses and impersonating a Egyptian. If you enjoy reading about the darker side of history with a sense of fun (and dad jokes) give this a go!
August 20, 2019
Thanks to Netgalley and Pen & Sword History for the opportunity to read this book.
Most will recognise the name of this author as the writter of the Horrible Histories books, in this book he turns to writing for the more mature audience.
Which he accomplishes with great success thought out the book you. As with the Horrible Histories books you feel his sense of humour is very much part of the book.
The stories included ones about murder,robbery and unusual tales of selling one's spouses and impersonating a Egyptian.
As with the Horrible Histories the book is interesting, informative and fun to read and I really enjoyed this book.
I would definitely recommend this book too people who enjoy reading history,with a large dose of humour added it is also great for those who find history books boring.
Most will recognise the name of this author as the writter of the Horrible Histories books, in this book he turns to writing for the more mature audience.
Which he accomplishes with great success thought out the book you. As with the Horrible Histories books you feel his sense of humour is very much part of the book.
The stories included ones about murder,robbery and unusual tales of selling one's spouses and impersonating a Egyptian.
As with the Horrible Histories the book is interesting, informative and fun to read and I really enjoyed this book.
I would definitely recommend this book too people who enjoy reading history,with a large dose of humour added it is also great for those who find history books boring.
February 29, 2020
Thanks to Pen & Sword Books for the chance to read this book!
Review - I think this was one of the most enjoyable history books I've read in a while. I thoroughly enjoyed the Horrible Histories series by Terry Deary when I was younger, and I think it was those books that made me want to study history. This book on the crimes of peasants throughout history doesn't disappoint when compared - the only thing I miss in comparison to the Horrible Histories are the cartoons, which I suppose have been removed to make this book better for adults. Deary brings in primary sources throughout, and quotes from various famous people from history throughout. Definitely worth a read!!
General Subject/s? - Crime / History
Recommend? – Yes
Rating - 18/20
For a full review see my blog at https://bookbloggerish.wordpress.com/...
Review - I think this was one of the most enjoyable history books I've read in a while. I thoroughly enjoyed the Horrible Histories series by Terry Deary when I was younger, and I think it was those books that made me want to study history. This book on the crimes of peasants throughout history doesn't disappoint when compared - the only thing I miss in comparison to the Horrible Histories are the cartoons, which I suppose have been removed to make this book better for adults. Deary brings in primary sources throughout, and quotes from various famous people from history throughout. Definitely worth a read!!
General Subject/s? - Crime / History
Recommend? – Yes
Rating - 18/20
For a full review see my blog at https://bookbloggerish.wordpress.com/...
October 19, 2019
This is most definitely not your Mother's history book! You will find NO boring, often told and retold historical events in this book. What you will find is plenty of individual historical events that will entertain as well as educate. Both action and consequence are told with an origin twist of humor that will have you looking for more of Terry Deary's books of history and how it sometimes is stranger, much stranger, than fiction.
October 23, 2019
I received an ARC via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book. It was funny and interesting. Some of the crimes are ones I had heard of but most were obscure examples. I could tell the author completed a lot of thorough research. I enjoyed out the of context quotes that correlated with the chapter.
4,5 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this book. It was funny and interesting. Some of the crimes are ones I had heard of but most were obscure examples. I could tell the author completed a lot of thorough research. I enjoyed out the of context quotes that correlated with the chapter.
4,5 of 5 stars
August 1, 2019
This is a fascinating and entertaining book. Well written and interesting. There are some great stories of the peasants getting even with the rich.
May 25, 2020
Such a disappointment. I enjoyed Horrible Histories and as they were aimed at kids I found the style and bad jokes ok - overall the interesting horrible bits over came the kiddy bits. I picked this book up thinking it would be quite fun but in a more adult style - how wrong i was. From the first page the book is filled with a lot of unnecessary modern quotes, many of which don't seem to have too much context with the subject being spoken about - i found they pulled my attention away from the book as I want to read about the past not the now. The jokes are plain rubbish - there for the sake of them and not funny in the slightest, they seemed more childish than many of the ones in the kids books. My other gripe is that Terry seems try and influence how we feel about the subject without letting the facts speak for themselves. Take Queen Victoria, he really lays into her and puts her in the same league as Hitler at one point. I don't feel there is really a place for these sort of personal opinions in a supposed factual History book - they should surely be presented from an unbiased viewpoint allowing us to decide. Such a shame because I expected better from Mr. Deary - I sadly won't be getting the follow up.
June 2, 2020
When I picked up this book I wasn’t sure if it was for kids or adults. But now that I have read it, I’m still not sure! Then again, maybe that is the point.
Terry Deary is certainly best known for his ‘Horrible Histories’ series and they definitely are aimed squarely at children. This book (and potential series) has a similarly childish cover and is told in the same flippant, humorous, scattergun style of informing the reader as the children’s series but is just a touch more sweary and has prostitutes in…
But at the end of the day, this title is well researched, informative and engaging and is probably perfect for ‘young adults’ who have enjoyed but outgrown Terry Deary’s books aimed at younger readers. However, for those used to serious history texts the elements and style of this title that will appeal to the author’s fans could, I imagine, become a little wearisome; but I enjoyed it!
Terry Deary is certainly best known for his ‘Horrible Histories’ series and they definitely are aimed squarely at children. This book (and potential series) has a similarly childish cover and is told in the same flippant, humorous, scattergun style of informing the reader as the children’s series but is just a touch more sweary and has prostitutes in…
But at the end of the day, this title is well researched, informative and engaging and is probably perfect for ‘young adults’ who have enjoyed but outgrown Terry Deary’s books aimed at younger readers. However, for those used to serious history texts the elements and style of this title that will appeal to the author’s fans could, I imagine, become a little wearisome; but I enjoyed it!
February 11, 2026
I will always love Terry Deary books.
Great to have horrible histories for adults a great book to dip in and out of because of the short chapters and a really fun read despite the gory nature of some of the crimes. I just wish it had the horrible histories illustrations!!!
Great to have horrible histories for adults a great book to dip in and out of because of the short chapters and a really fun read despite the gory nature of some of the crimes. I just wish it had the horrible histories illustrations!!!
November 18, 2019
In history, we tend to look at people based on their class. There are the upper class (royalty and nobility), the middle class, and the underclasses (peasants). Most of the focus tends to be on the deeds of the upper and middle classes, yet the underclasses had there own struggles, some of which resulted in them committing crimes. What was life like for the criminals of the underclasses? What type of crimes did they commit and what sort of punishments did they suffer once they were caught? Terry Deary decided to explore the crimes of the British peasants throughout history, in his own humorous way, in his latest book, “The Peasants’ Revolting….Crimes”.
I would like to thank Pen and Sword Books for sending me a copy of this book. The description sounded really intriguing and I had never read a book by Terry Deary, so I decided to give it a try.
For those who are not familiar with Terry Deary, he is the author of a popular UK book series for kids about history called, “Horrible Histories”, a funny look at the past to get kids interested in historical figures. I will admit that I had heard people mention “Horrible Histories” and the video series, but I was not sure what to expect when it came to Deary’s writing style. I don’t normally read humourous history books because I love diving large biographies that contain minute details of the lives of historical figures, but I found myself enjoying this entertaining, yet rather unusual, history book.
This book was a delight to dive into. Deary breaks down his book by exploring the underclasses, from the nefarious Normans and the terrible Tudors to the vivacious Victorians and everyone in between. He included tales of arsonists, murderers, pirates, hooligans, beggars, rioters, and more to give readers a full view of crimes committed by those who were part of the underclasses. The topics that Deary discusses in this book can be rather dark and macabre, but it doesn’t have a dark tone to it. Instead, Deary infuses his own sense of humor that makes reading about these horrific crimes enjoyable. There were points while I was reading that I actually laughed out loud, but other points the humor did fall flat for me because it dealt with elements of living in the UK that I didn’t understand.
Deary does jump around a lot when it comes to the chronological order of this book, which did bother me a tad bit because I do prefer reading a historical book in chronological order. Yet Deary does get away with this since it is a book that acts like a comedy sketch instead of a serious study in the crimes of the underclasses. What I did wish Deary would have included in his book is a list of resources on the crimes that he mentioned so that those who were curious could look into the trials themselves, to help promote independent historical studies of the subjects.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Deary combined the study of history with humor to create a light-hearted and fun experience for anyone interested in history. Every once in awhile, it is good to take a break from serious historical studies and read something for fun. If you want a nice, casual read that explores the lives and crimes of peasants, I highly recommend you read, “The Peasants’ Revolting...Crimes” by Terry Deary.
I would like to thank Pen and Sword Books for sending me a copy of this book. The description sounded really intriguing and I had never read a book by Terry Deary, so I decided to give it a try.
For those who are not familiar with Terry Deary, he is the author of a popular UK book series for kids about history called, “Horrible Histories”, a funny look at the past to get kids interested in historical figures. I will admit that I had heard people mention “Horrible Histories” and the video series, but I was not sure what to expect when it came to Deary’s writing style. I don’t normally read humourous history books because I love diving large biographies that contain minute details of the lives of historical figures, but I found myself enjoying this entertaining, yet rather unusual, history book.
This book was a delight to dive into. Deary breaks down his book by exploring the underclasses, from the nefarious Normans and the terrible Tudors to the vivacious Victorians and everyone in between. He included tales of arsonists, murderers, pirates, hooligans, beggars, rioters, and more to give readers a full view of crimes committed by those who were part of the underclasses. The topics that Deary discusses in this book can be rather dark and macabre, but it doesn’t have a dark tone to it. Instead, Deary infuses his own sense of humor that makes reading about these horrific crimes enjoyable. There were points while I was reading that I actually laughed out loud, but other points the humor did fall flat for me because it dealt with elements of living in the UK that I didn’t understand.
Deary does jump around a lot when it comes to the chronological order of this book, which did bother me a tad bit because I do prefer reading a historical book in chronological order. Yet Deary does get away with this since it is a book that acts like a comedy sketch instead of a serious study in the crimes of the underclasses. What I did wish Deary would have included in his book is a list of resources on the crimes that he mentioned so that those who were curious could look into the trials themselves, to help promote independent historical studies of the subjects.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Deary combined the study of history with humor to create a light-hearted and fun experience for anyone interested in history. Every once in awhile, it is good to take a break from serious historical studies and read something for fun. If you want a nice, casual read that explores the lives and crimes of peasants, I highly recommend you read, “The Peasants’ Revolting...Crimes” by Terry Deary.
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