Terry Deary

From killer king Oedipus to monstrous Medusa's horrible hair, TerryDeary presents the classic Greek legends ... with a modern twist. Heracles sits his SATs and the wife of Zeus spills the beansabout her husband. With fact files on furies, harpies and other killercreatures and the evils of the Underworld revelead, this titleis 100% Horrible!

Criminal Wirral is an intriguing and entertaining collection of some of the strangest, most despicable and comical crimes that took place on the Wirral peninsula from the Victorian era up until the early twentieth century. Daniel K. Longman's painstaking research has uncovered many fascinating cases that have been long forgotten, and he sheds new light on local causes celebres. The tales are supported by a number of maps with many contemporary and modern photographs, which help to bring these events and the people featured in them to life. Criminal Wirral will appeal to anyone who has an interest in the darker side of Wirral's history.

The new wickedly funny murder mystery in the Actually Murders series from the No. 1 Sunday Times bestselling author. ______________ 1973. Hours after a mysterious phone call is made to the police, a train pulls into Sunderland station with a dead body on board. Cause of death: strangulation. Victim: unknown. Witnesses: none. Undeterred by this baffling set of circumstances, newly promoted Police Sergeant Aline James vows to crack the case and prove her critics wrong. But when her famously ruthless investigation tactics yield no results, she is forced to seek help from two unlikely allies: unassuming assassin John Brown and calamitous actor Tony Davies. As bodies pile up, can this unusual trio thwart a devilishly complex plot, before one of them, actually, becomes a corpse?

Filled with all the festive facts every Horrible Histories reader wants to know! The complete horrible history of Christmas tells tales of: the dark days when the Puritans tried to abolish Christmas the Christmas in the trenches when the British and Germans traded bullets for footballs plus dreadful jokes, rotten festive recipes and a Christmas quiz! With full-colour illustrations by Martin Brown and a new cover, this 2026 edition of Horrible Christmas is the perfect festive gift.

War: what is it good for? Absolutely something, surely, or we wouldn't keep doing it. What can we learn from ten wars that have changed world history? In A History of the World in Ten Wars, you will find out: why the ancient Greeks decided to band together after fighting each other for centuries where counterintelligence was first invented 2,000 years ago how Chinese stirrups kicked off a European age of chivalry the innovative guerrilla tactics of the Mongols and why the so-called World Wars were really one very long war with a break for half-time. Throughout the ages, each generation has faced the same questions. Am I willing to fight for my way of life? How can I come up with something the enemy hasn’t thought of? And the important one that people often forget to ask: is there a way of solving this amicably? A History of the World in Ten Wars is a witty, whistlestop tour of world history that will have you laughing as you find out what they didn't teach you in school.

From the author of the blockbuster Horrible Histories series, also a TV show and movie, who has sold more than 30 million copies worldwide. Horrible Histories author Terry Deary presents a fantastic collection of Shakespeare tales based on action-packed true stories – four books in one! Perfect for history fans (and those who don't know they're history fans yet) aged 7+. A Midsummer Night's Dream: Molly loves travelling with Shakespeare’s theatre company but the jester, Armin, keeps picking on her. Meanwhile, on stage, Helena wants revenge on Hermia, Lysander wants revenge on Demetrius and the fairy queen Titania has fallen in love with a donkey! Macbeth: Mary has buckets of stage blood to clear up under the horrible gaze of Master ‘Foulbrew’. Can she find a way to escape her revolting master? In the play, Lady Macbeth wants to be queen but Duncan is on the throne. The witches say Macbeth will rule, so ghosts, treason and blood are bound to follow. Romeo and Juliet: Sam is about to star in Shakespeare’s new play but a plague is spreading through the city. Will Sam get his big break or will the plague shut down the theatre? On stage, Romeo and Juliet are in love but their families can’t stand each other! Twelfth Night: Jane and John have uncovered a plot to steal the throne from Queen Elizabeth I while she watches a play. Can they stop it in time? Meanwhile, in the play, Olivia loves the boy Caesario, who is in fact not a boy but a girl, Viola. Viola loves Orsino but Orsino loves Olivia. What a tangle... Terrible True Tales: Shakespeare explores the fascinating world of William Shakespeare through the eyes of children who could have lived at the time. Join master storyteller Terry Deary for a trip back in time to Shakespeare’s travelling theatre company and a laugh-out loud comedy. This new edition features notes for the reader to help extend learning and exploration of the historical period.

From the author of the blockbuster Horrible Histories series, also a TV show and movie, who has sold more than 30 million copies worldwide. Horrible Histories author Terry Deary presents a hilarious collection of Pirate tales based on action-packed true stories – four books in one! Perfect for history fans (and those who don't know they're history fans yet) aged 7+. The Pirate Captain: Captain Fly is the greatest pirate to sail the seven seas - or so he says. But his captives Jed and Arthur think he's a bad-tempered bully. Now Captain Fly has ordered his prisoners to work for him as pirates! It's time to stop him for good... The Pirate Lord: Tom is a cabin boy for Captain Francis Drake, on his mission to steal South American gold from the Spanish fleet. Can Tom survive the trip through waves three times the height of their tiny ship, help Drake defeat the Spanish galleons - and come back rich? The Pirate Prisoner: Red-legs Greaves has been a slave, a pirate, and a rich sugar planter. Now he's a prisoner. And next morning, he'll be dead! His only friend is a slave girl called Lou. Can Lou do anything to save Red-legs? The Pirate Queen: Grace O'Malley is the greatest pirate that ever lived, the terror of the Irish Sea. Her gang of cut-throats rule the waves... until Grace is captured and sent to London! What will happen when the Queen of the Pirates meets the Queen of England? Terrible True Tales: Pirates explores the adventures of the pirates through the eyes of children who could have lived at the time. Packed with fun illustrations by Helen Flook, these fantastic stories blend pirate legend with historical fact. This new edition features notes for the reader to help extend learning and exploration of the period.

A hilarious and whip-smart crime novel by the multimillion-copy bestselling author of the Horrible Histories. The perfect mystery for fans of Anthony Horowitz, Robert Thorogood and Ian Moore.Four strangers on a train. An unlikely introduction:'Actually, I'm a murderer.' It is 1973 and the lives of four people are thrown into turmoil when sharing a carriage with an unremarkable little man with glasses, on the night train back to Newcastle. By the end of the following day, one of them will be dead, one will turn blackmailer and another forced to commit a crime. And all of them will be under the astute observation of Aline, the local police officer with her own agenda to fulfil. When the body count begins to rise, the question is: just how many murderers are out there... and who will be the next victim?

From the author of the blockbuster Horrible Histories series, also a TV show and movie, who has sold more than 30 million copies worldwide. Horrible Histories author Terry Deary presents a fantastically funny collection of Victorian tales based on action-packed true stories – four books in one! Perfect for history fans (and those who don't know they're history fans yet) aged 7+. The Fabulous Flier: Henri Gifford invented the first powered airship, eager to fly across Paris. All was going well until the thunder began rumbling... Will young Marie help Mr Gifford before his airship tumbles out of the sky? The Sea Monsters: It's 1838, and Patrick and Grace Leary are aboard The Sirius, set to become the first ever ship to sail from Dublin to New York using only steam power. But they're racing their cousin Ben who is on board the giant steam ship the Great Western. Fire, injury and a lack of coal... Who will win this race? Terror on the Train: When a crowded train runs full speed into a section of track that has been taken up for repair, can Charles Dickens himself become the hero the passengers need? The Twisted Tunnels: Jenny and her grandfather live in the sewers and sell what they can find. That is until the building of the London Underground Railway destroys the slums and their meagre home. Where will Jenny live now? Terry Deary’s Terrible True Tales: Victorians explores the world of the Victorians through the eyes of children who could have lived at the time. Packed with fun illustrations by Helen Flook, these stories feature real people and take place in some of the most recognisable Victorian settings, including London. This new edition features notes for the reader to help extend learning and exploration of the historical period.

From the author of the blockbuster Horrible Histories series, also a TV show and movie, who has sold more than 30 million copies worldwide. Horrible Histories author Terry Deary presents a hilarious collection of Saxon tales based on exciting true stories – four books in one! Perfect for history fans (and those who don't know they're history fans yet) aged 7+. The Witch Who Faced the Fire: Follow young Ardith Hutton on her journey as a cunning man's apprentice, learning magical cures for diseases and pains. But are they really magical? Does Ardith have the ability to cure the villagers when they seek out her assistance? They might just accuse her of witchcraft... The Lord Who Lost His Head: With royalty, bandits, blacksmiths and gold coins, this tale is packed with humour and trickery. Local village girl Marian needs to play it safe and smart; her family and the village are counting on her. The King Who Threw Away His Throne: King Vortigern was a fool with more brains in his beard than his skull. What will he do when the Saxon hordes plan to invade Britain? Join Mervyn on his great attempts to aid the king in defeating the Saxons. The Shepherd Who Ate His Sheep: It's the dead of winter, and all Upton Medway has to eat is pea and ham soup... without the ham. Steal a sheep and hope nobody notices, of course! But when the owner comes looking for the thief, who will take the blame? Terry Deary's Terrible True Tales: Saxons explores the world of the Saxons and features real people from the thrilling time period. Packed with fun illustrations from Tambe, the four stories take place in some of the most recognisable Saxon settings.

TERRIBLE TRAITORS is a horrible compendium of the worst traitors in history. The master of making history fun, Terry Deary, turns his attention to 50 brutal backstabbers across history. fully illustrated throughout and packed with horrible stories - with all the horribly hilarious bits included with a fresh take on the classic Horrible Histories style, perfect for fans old and new the perfect series for anyone looking for a fun and informative read Horrible Histories has been entertaining children and families for generations with books, TV, stage shows, magazines, games and the brilliantly funny Horrible Histories: the Movie - Rotten Romans.

From the author of the blockbuster Horrible Histories series, which is now a TV show and movie, and has sold more than 30 million copies worldwide.'Deary's storytelling is simple, historically accurate and compelling.' (The i newspaper on The Silver Hand) Horrible Histories author Terry Deary presents an exciting collection of tales from the First World War based on thrilling true stories – four books in one! Perfect for history fans (and those who don't know they're history fans yet) aged 7+. The War Game: Flanders, 1914. The German and British soldiers in the trenches make an unofficial Christmas truce, with carols and a football match. But the officers aren't happy...The Bomber Balloon: November 1916 – the war on the Home Front. A German Zeppelin crashes during a raid on Essex. Can a constable and a schoolgirl round up the armed air crew?The Last Flight: France 1917 – the war in the air. An air observer is shot down behind enemy lines and meets the German flying ace, the famous Red Baron.The Pigeon Spy: Flanders, 1918. The extraordinary true story of a pigeon, a black bird called Cher Ami, who saved nearly 200 lives.Terry Deary’s Terrible True Tales: First World War explores the First World War through the eyes of children and real people who could have lived at the time. Packed with thoughtful illustrations by James de la Rue, these stories feature real people and take place in some of the most recognisable First World War settings. Featuring notes for the reader to help extend learning and exploration of the historical period.

Filled with all the festive facts every Horrible Histories reader wants to know! The complete horrible history of Christmas tells tales of: the dark days when the Puritans tried to abolish Christmas the Christmas in the trenches when the British and Germans traded bullets for footballs plus dreadful jokes, rotten festive recipes and a Christmas quiz! With full-colour illustrations by Martin Brown and a new cover, this 2025 edition of Horrible Christmas is the perfect festive gift.

From the author of the blockbuster Horrible Histories series, which is now a TV show and movie, and has sold more than 30 million copies worldwide.'Deary's storytelling is simple, historically accurate and compelling.' (The i newspaper on The Silver Hand) Horrible Histories author Terry Deary presents an exciting collection of tales from the Home Front of the Second World War based on thrilling true stories – four books in one! Perfect for history fans (and those who don't know they're history fans yet) aged 7+. The Bike Escape: Northampton, 1939. A young tearaway unwillingly evacuated to the countryside is unjustly accused of theft. He decides to make his way back home, never mind the Blitz – but he'll need to steal a bike to do it...The Apple Spy: Scotland, 1940. A pair of children realise that the odd strangers they see in their tiny village are German spies. Can they alert the authorities or will the ruthless spies find them first?The Barrel Burglary: Sunderland, 1941. The Home Guard of a small town need supplies but the local factory owner won't help. So they decide to use unconventional methods instead...The Phantom Farm: Portsmouth, 1941. With food scarce and rationing taking hold, plenty of people turned to the black market to get more than their share. A girl finds herself mixed up in mysterious dealings – what is the secret of the haunted farm? Terry Deary’s Terrible True Tales: Second World War explores the Second World War through the eyes of children and real adults who could have lived at the time. Packed with thoughtful illustrations by James de la Rue, these stories feature real people and take place in some of the most recognisable Second World War settings. Featuring notes for the reader to help extend learning and exploration of the historical period.

Remember, remember the 4th of November... *It is a truth universally acknowledged that the rich and powerful always look after their own and the working people are always revolting. But every now and again, a new group actually manages to seize power, and it changes history.Horrible Histories author Terry Deary takes readers on a hilarious and eye-opening journey through some of the most significant rebellions and uprisings that have happened through the ages.Few enjoy the success of Ivaylo, the Bulgarian swineherd who managed to fight off the Mongols, slay the Tsar and marry his widow in the space of a year. But then, some rebels have more modest aims: Spartacus mainly wanted to go home to see his mum. Either way, we have much to learn from the tactics of revolutionaries gone by, like the two suffragists who posted themselves by Royal Mail to see the prime minister. (A first-class idea, though Downing Street declined the parcel.)From the peasants to the slaves, the martyrs to the mutineers, Revolting celebrates the resilience and determination of those who dared to challenge the status quo through the ages.* Turns out we've been getting the nursery rhyme wrong all these years. An explosive revelation.

On This Horrible Day in History takes 365 very ordinary days and asks, 'What's the VERY worst that could happen?' Jam-packed with Horrible facts for every single day of the year, this hilariously Horrible book is the perfect gift for fans of history and fans of the horrible, ancient or not-so ancient. Maybe your dad shares his birthday with Guy Fawkes, or your brother shares his with Ivan the Terrible... Maybe this year, Christmas is marked with the Romans unexpectedly obliterating rioters, or the last day of the school year is overshadowed by a very much expected beheading. Anything could happen! With a foul and fascinating fact for every day of the year, you'll find yourself returning to this book again and again. illustrated throughout and packed with horrible stories – with all the horribly hilarious bits included perfect for anyone looking for a fun and informative read Horrible Histories has been entertaining children and families for generations with books, TV, stage shows, magazines, games and the brilliantly funny Horrible Histories: the Movie – Rotten Romans.