About This Book
Reach for this book when you have a child who finds standard history textbooks dry but is fascinated by the visceral, messy reality of the past. It is perfect for a reader who asks 'what's the worst thing that ever happened on a train?' or someone who appreciates dark humor alongside their engineering facts. The book explores the industrial revolution through the lens of those who suffered or succeeded by the rail, emphasizing the grit behind the glamour of steam travel. While the tone is irreverent and funny, it tackles serious historical themes like child labor in mines, corporate greed, and the dangerous lack of safety regulations in early engineering. It is best suited for children aged 7 to 12 who have the maturity to handle descriptions of accidents without becoming anxious. Parents will appreciate how Terry Deary uses 'foul facts' to build a genuine interest in history and STEM, teaching kids to look critically at the human cost of progress.
