The Worst Jobs in History [Paperback]

Tony Robinson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2007

Tony Robinson has set out to investigate the underbelly of British history through 2,000 years of wretched employment—whether it's swilling out the crotch of a knight's soiled armor or collecting human waste to turn into gunpowder. Covering the Roman invasion to the reign of Queen Victoria, Robinson uncovers an unseen army undertaking arduous, hazardous, deeply unpleasant work. The very names "Toad Eater," "Vomit Collector," "Spit Boy," and "Seeker of the Dead" underline a fairly disgusting history. As he delves into the grime of how life was for the ordinary person, he brings "Gong Scourers" (Tudor cesspit cleaners), "Pure Collectors" (Victorian pooper-scoopers), and "Resurrection Men" (Georgian body snatchers) blinking into the limelight to provide a vivid alternative history of Britain.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Tony Robinson is of national renown, not just for his television roles in Blackadder and Time Team, but as a trusted historical expert in his own right.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Macmillan UK (March 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0330438573
• ISBN-13: 978-0330438575
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #525,957 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars pretty good effort., April 5, 2007

By 

Patrick A. Hastings "therathen" - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Worst Jobs in History (Paperback)

well, the book was, as the title suggests, pretty good. though, if you're familiar with the bbc television series of the same name, this book will leave you somewhat wanting. while the book is just as informative, and goes into substantial detail, it tends to lack the humor and charm that tony robinson brought to the television show. that being said, i would still recommend it, because this really is a side of history that you don't hear much about and, that aside, definitely throws some perspective onto your work life.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What an Entertaining History Lesson!, January 7, 2008

By 

Music Lover "music lover" (Wakeman, Ohio) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Worst Jobs in History (Paperback)

The Worst Jobs in History is such an entertaining lesson in the history of some of the most difficult and unpleasant jobs in British history. One would normally not ponder such thoughts as what happens to discarded bones from dinner or cigars or who were the people that cleaned the streets for the Lords and Ladies in the Victorian era. The answer to these questions are interesting, educational and thought provoking. It is interesting to know who were the people that performed these jobs and what their living circumstances were in these periods of history in England. It is also a series I caught on the History International Channel with episodes performed by the author Tony Robinson, a historical Dirty Jobs like the series performed by Mike Rowe. I highly recommend this book!

5.0 out of 5 stars Very entertaining history of English life, November 29, 2009

By 

Jon R. Dalmas "RandyD" (Baltimore, MD) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Worst Jobs in History (Paperback)

Regardless if you've seen the BBC television program that this book is based on or not, this is one of the most entertaining books on history I've ever read. Most books about life in England can be pretty dry, especially those about daily life. This one, however, focuses on specific occupations that were integral to English life, but are terribly unpleasant. Even as an avid reader of the English Renaissance period, this book shed new light on English life. It's also a good reference to how some jobs were performed. Highly recommended for anyone who is wants an introduction to English life, and for those looking for a lighter side of history.