Blood-curdling Box (Horrible Histories)

An excellent collection of books from the "Horrible Histories" series, this set covers events from the Stone Age thru WW2. Often graphic in detail but presented in a sophomoric, humorous manner, these slim volumes offer a wealth of historical detail that teaches history while at the same time entertains. The reading level makes this series accessible to nearly all middle school students from low to high readers and the topic format should keep even the most disinterested history students motivated and on task.Not to be confused with text books, this series can certainly be supportive of classroom lessons helping to keep lower performing students on task and keeping their interest level elevated. It's common in my classroom to have students w/a "HH" in one hand and Wikipedia on their computer screens.Title of series clearly states that this series is NOT balanced nor is it meant to be. These are not text books, nor are they edited, censured, generic, white washes of history. Obviously written for adolescent entertainment, the learning aspect is strictly an added bonus.Can also be a good resource tool for classroom teachers. Much of what these books contain may not appear in more traditional textbooks but if one enhances their lessons with some of the information from "HH" you can be certain on keeping the students' attention.

My kids, 6 and 9, are big history buffs, and they're enjoying these a lot. For kids with less history background, this series is better for slightly older kids (say 8-13).FWIW, I gave them this set AFTER they read more standard history texts (they are big fans of the Larry Gonick History of the Universe series, which is more thorough and funny, but also denser), and I think the series benefited from being contextualized within a bigger framework. The writer gets that kids love the gross and reprehensible, and so favors that information over other stuff. But, like Gonick, it's pretty balanced in terms of history POV.Overall, welcome addition to the library, but would suggest that these be read alongside more thorough history.

It's amazing how many books this set contain! In fact, of the original series, only three are missing, and they're easy to find elsewhere. These books are simply amazing! There is difficulty in reviewing them since most are REALLY good. Here are my basic reviews, however:Savage Stone Age: 8/10Awesome Egyptians: 10/10Groovy Greeks: 10/10Rotten Romans: 9/10Cut-Throat Celts: 10/10Smashing Saxons: 7/10Stormin' Normans: 6/10Vicious Vikings: 5/10Measly Middle Ages: 9/10Terrible Tudors: 7/10Slimy Stuarts: 10/10Gorgeous Georgians: 7/10Vile Victorians: 10/10Villainous Victorians: 10/10Barmy British Empire: 7/10Frightful First World War: 9/10Woeful Second World War: 10/10Blitzed Brits: 10/10As you can see, most of these books got a 9 or 10. Only one got a 5. Overall I would HIGHLY recommend this series. The only problem I encountered might not be a problem to most people. It's just that I have OCD and my books need to be in perfect condition, and every time you open the book the cover margin gets this weird white streak. All of them had this. It was probably just the quality. Either way, unless you're obsessive like me this shouldn't be a problem. I would highly recommend this series!

I bought this book series for my 12 year old who does not like fiction much. They are quick, easy reads for him. I wish I had found them a few years ago when they would have been more at his reading level. Still he enjoys them and has read several over and over. The are similar to the Wicked History series of books, but rather than focusing on a historic individual they are about a country or people. They are scholastic books and he was able to AR test on them at school. I would say these books are good for the 8-12 age group.

Love the Horrible Histories, Biographies, etc. I have 2 sons, 9 and 11. They love reading these. Many stimulating discussions have ensued. The fact that they are British has increased their awareness of the differences in our shared language and expanded their sense of humor. They have branched out into other Horribles. Gifted these to 2 other boys of similar age with great results. One friend's 8 year old son, however, found the jokes and facts a little intense/scary. Wars, battles, hygiene practices, etc., are all discussed, and let's face it, history frequently isn't pleasant. Recommend any Horribles, although my kids aren't as into the Horrible Science stuff.

My 10 year old daughter loves these and seems unmoved by what might seem to an adult an unnecessary emphasis on the violent, macabre and depressing. It's been a great way to get her to read about history. The 20 book set is very good value. She and my 7 year old also enjoyed the audio book versions but they are much more expensive.

I am a big fan of historical fiction, and even participate in some historical re-enactments as an adult enthusiast. My gifted son? He told me he "hates" history! I read a review of these books on Hoagies website, and splurged on the set for my son. He loves them. While these may not be the "best" history ever, they do really underline the point that history is a huge discipline, and that there is something to love for every type of reader. My kid doesn't have to care about daily life in the middle ages like I do, but he has to know that there is SOME part of history that is fascinating to HIM. Thanks to these books, he does!