Terrible True Tales: Victorians

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.

Terry Deary is the author of over 300 fiction and non-fiction books, which have been published in 40 languages. His Horrible Histories series celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2023, having sold over 30 million copies worldwide and been adapted as a movie, a television series, theatre tours and museum exhibitions. Terry's non-fiction has been consistently on the bestseller lists since 1994, and he was voted 'Outstanding Children's Non-Fiction Author of the 20th Century' by Books for Keeps magazine.

Stefano Tambellini is a book illustrator, writer and independent animation director. He has previously run stop-motion workshops at schools and festivals, sharing methods and techniques. Tambe also makes puppets and sets for his films. Follow Tambe @stefano_tambellini