The Measly Middle Ages

I came across Terry Deary completely by accident ~ in a gift shop in Scotland, shoved amongst other more "scholarly" hardcovers. As my graduate area of study is the Middle Ages, I was intrigued and bought the book on a whim ~ and haven't stopped buying Terry Deary's books since! Are the books chock-full of historical facts guaranteed to allow someone to walk away thinking they know everything about the Middle Ages, Greece, Rome, France, or any of Deary's other topics? No, of course not. Are the books a wonderfully entertaining (and illustrated!) way of addressing what can admittedly be a bit of a dry topic? Of course! I say any books that can make someone, young or old, become interested in history should be embraced fully. And, hey, I learn something new from every book I read, which is an added bonus! Further, I think these books definitely appeal to adults who have an interest or education in history ~ much as what "The Reduced Shakespeare Company" teaches us about Shakepeare is true about Deary's treatment of history: the better you know the original, the more funny and entertaining the condensed versions are.

I am really in the debt of Terry Deary. If it weren't for him and his wonderful "Horrible History" series, I would never have been introduced to history. I first read his work when I was only ten. Seven years later, I'm still enjoying his work. Yes, childish, but it is so much fun. I now want to teach, to make history fun to others. I wouldn't have known it possible if it weren't for Deary. Right next to my "Measly Middle Ages" and my "Woeful Second World War" is my John Keegen and William Manchester. Onto "Measly Middle Ages". I really enjoy this book. Both irreverent and insightful at the same time, this book really shows the reader how horrible the middle ages actually were. I've read several works on the era, and this book nicely fills in the basic details, with out bogging it down with the details that us history dorks love. A great book for kids, a great book for people who both enjoy history and enjoy having fun.

I have "terrible Tudors" "Cut throught Celts" and the "Blitzed Brits" these books are witty and informative! Not just for kids!

These "Horrible Histories" books are written for kids, but are wonderful reading for adults, too. They make history and learning much more fun, due to the jokes, cartoons, snide remarks, etc., that are thrown in for good measure. Of our family of four, three of us are sharing the books between us. We will definitely be buying the whole series, as well as purchasing them for gifts!!

It told me about how people lived in the Middle Ages. But it also told me jokes, and I think it's a very good book to read, especially if you don't like your history class. This book tells you histories of the Middle Ages though jokes cartoons, and other great staff you want to read about, but the best part about this book is, it's funny and educational at the same time. So check it out sometimes.