Revolting
A riotous history of rebellions and revolutions
Published on 23. April 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
288 pages
978-1-80499-697-3 (ISBN)
Description
A globetrotting, laugh-out-loud funny history for grown-ups from the multi-million copy bestselling author.
It is a truth universally acknowledged that the rich and powerful always look after their own and the working people are always revolting.
But every now and again, a new group actually manages to seize power, and it changes history.
In his new book, Revolting, bestselling Horrible Histories author Terry Deary takes readers on a hilarious and eye-opening journey through some of the most significant rebellions and uprisings that have happened through the ages, including:
Ivaylo, the Bulgarian swineherd who managed to fight off the Mongols, slay the Tsar and marry his widow in the space of a year.
Spartacus, a touch more modest in his aims, who mainly wanted to go home to see his mum.
The two suffragists who posted themselves by Royal Mail to see the prime minister (a first-class idea, though Downing Street declined the parcel).
From the peasants to the slaves, the martyrs to the mutineers, Revolting celebrates the resilience and determination of those who dared to challenge the status quo through the ages.
Praise for A History of Britain in Ten Enemies:
'If you could take just one history book to a desert island, this would be it. It is laugh out loud funny' Conn Iggulden, bestselling author of the Emperor series
'Ram-packed with mind-blowing facts, hilarious characters, and little-known tales' Dan Schreiber, author of The Theory of Everything Else
'A book for anyone who ever wished there was a Horrible Histories for grown-ups' Kate Lister, author of A Curious History of Sex
'Not just an eye-opener, but a mind-opener' Tracy Borman, author of The Private Lives of the Tudors
It is a truth universally acknowledged that the rich and powerful always look after their own and the working people are always revolting.
But every now and again, a new group actually manages to seize power, and it changes history.
In his new book, Revolting, bestselling Horrible Histories author Terry Deary takes readers on a hilarious and eye-opening journey through some of the most significant rebellions and uprisings that have happened through the ages, including:
Ivaylo, the Bulgarian swineherd who managed to fight off the Mongols, slay the Tsar and marry his widow in the space of a year.
Spartacus, a touch more modest in his aims, who mainly wanted to go home to see his mum.
The two suffragists who posted themselves by Royal Mail to see the prime minister (a first-class idea, though Downing Street declined the parcel).
From the peasants to the slaves, the martyrs to the mutineers, Revolting celebrates the resilience and determination of those who dared to challenge the status quo through the ages.
Praise for A History of Britain in Ten Enemies:
'If you could take just one history book to a desert island, this would be it. It is laugh out loud funny' Conn Iggulden, bestselling author of the Emperor series
'Ram-packed with mind-blowing facts, hilarious characters, and little-known tales' Dan Schreiber, author of The Theory of Everything Else
'A book for anyone who ever wished there was a Horrible Histories for grown-ups' Kate Lister, author of A Curious History of Sex
'Not just an eye-opener, but a mind-opener' Tracy Borman, author of The Private Lives of the Tudors
Reviews / Votes
What readers are saying about Revolting:'I loved this book and laughed whilst I learned... Look for mentions of the first Serf and Turf!'
'The breadth of this book is huge... It's wonderfully readable and of a huge scope'
'The history of revolts and protests is a rich one, and particularly poignant at the moment - so it's perfect that Terry Deary has written this book'
'I love the humour and the way he makes everything fun' * NetGalley reader reviews * History's greatest ally -- Dan Schreiber, author of <i>The Theory of Everything Else</i> and host of No Such Thing As a Fish and We Can Be Weirdos Nobody has changed history more than Terry Deary * Big Issue *
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Transworld Publishers Ltd
Product notice
Paperback (UK-B)
Dimensions
Height: 197 mm
Width: 126 mm
Thickness: 22 mm
Weight
204 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-80499-697-3 (9781804996973)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Person
Terry Deary is the author of over 350 published books, selling over 38 million books in 45 languages.
He rose to prominence as the author of the acclaimed Horrible Histories series, which made him the best-selling children's non-fiction writer since records began. The series was adapted for a BAFTA-winning CBBC television series. In 2024, he published a book for adults, A History of Britain in Ten Enemies, which became a #1 Sunday Times bestseller with over 100,000 copies sold.
Terry was conferred with an honorary Doctorate of Education by Sunderland University in 2000. He lives in County Durham with his wife Jenny and is an avid road runner in his spare time.
He rose to prominence as the author of the acclaimed Horrible Histories series, which made him the best-selling children's non-fiction writer since records began. The series was adapted for a BAFTA-winning CBBC television series. In 2024, he published a book for adults, A History of Britain in Ten Enemies, which became a #1 Sunday Times bestseller with over 100,000 copies sold.
Terry was conferred with an honorary Doctorate of Education by Sunderland University in 2000. He lives in County Durham with his wife Jenny and is an avid road runner in his spare time.