The Horrible, Miserable Middle Ages: The Disgusting Details About Life During Medieval Times (Disgusting History)

by Kathy Allen

From leftover trenchers and stinky chamber pots to barber-surgeons and the black plague, life could be really miserable for people during medieval times. Get ready to explore the nasty side of life in the Middle Ages.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

32 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Veronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually picked up this book for my 7 year old son as he is currently interested in "history". I decided to also take a look as I have always been fascinated by the middle ages. This is actually a well researched and full of gory facts that will appeal to any young child who is interested in those times.

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Living up to the series title, these books expose the nasty side of history. Each title opens with a brief overview and time line, followed by two- to three-page chapters that discuss the dirty and disgusting conditions that were prevalent in the past. Topics include excretion and sanitation, spoiled food, grisly medical procedures, bug infestations, and early death. Large illustrations and photos, that are dramatic but not overly explicit, add to the texts. These books, which prove that the good old days never existed, are gross enough to be surefire hits.

[yuzzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

.....

[Vani · Rating 3 out of 5]

The parts on Black Death reminded me of the current situation with COVID-19 victims in some poor areas of the world.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book had really good facts, but I am not a fan of non-fiction books. If someone enjoyed non-fiction books, then I recommend that they read this.

[Caitlyn]

1. This informational text explains the horrors of the middle ages to readers. This book gives students a historically accurate timeline while providing more in-depth understand of the harsh conditions of living during this time. This text has many helpful text features to aide students.
2. I really enjoyed reading this book! It was historically accurate while providing more information about the gross conditions people faced during this time such as scurvy and chamber pots. I also really like that this book includes additional books and internet sites in the back for further study.
3. I would pair this book with "The Dreadful, Smelly Colonies" by Elizabeth Raum because of the similar features of both texts.
4. "These dirty bathrooms had wooden floors and weren't always safe. Records show that some people fell through the bathroom floors into the filth below."

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is good for all 4th graders and up, but boys will like it more

This gives you the lowdown on dirt during the Middle Ages. All those kids who think it’s just knights wandering around after adventure will have a little dirt thrown over that.

From the rotting teeth because of no oral hygiene to the lack of toilets, this book gives you the grossest of the gross. The description of plague victims was pretty bad.

This isn’t all gross. There is good information hidden between in the pages. Children who like facts will find much here.

Boys may try to use this as an example of why they shouldn’t have to bathe, but just remind them of the diseases that brings.

[Shelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since history is mine and my daughter’s favorite subjects it’s hard to imagine anyone not LOVING it as well. For those who don’t books like this are a tremendous help. Who doesn't want to know fabulously disgusting facts about medieval medical practices, disgusting diseases, plumbing problems, and food fiascoes?? This read about the nasty side of the Middle Ages is a must have addition to any classroom or school library.

[Duane · Rating 3 out of 5]

For young readers wanting to know the grissly details of daily Middle Ages life, this book will surely entertain them. Talking about daily struggles, sickness, plagues, and more, readers will be told about the disgusting things they had to put up with to survive. A nice book for young readers.

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even as an older woman, I love Fact Finders books. I can see why kids would have a blast with them. This one is no different. It is filled with all the dirty, disgusting details about the middle ages (and some of them are REALLY disgusting!)

[Kim Hampton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book explains what day to day life was like during the Middle Ages. It's a great resource for anyone interested in that time period. It is written for kids, so everything is explained in simple terms.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

My male students would love this book, and many of my female students would probably find all of the gross tidbits about life in the Middle Ages disgusting but interesting.

[Aleisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent introduction to the Middle Ages for kids. Plus they tend to love the gross facts...

[Jazzy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read some parts to help me with my research paper. I was only able to use the timeline. It was ok and very informational.

[Arjun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bookmarks in comments

[Destiny · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had to use this for a research project. It was a little disturbing, in terms of hygiene.