US Trends

who wrote horrible histories

The main writer of the Horrible Histories book series is Terry Deary , with additional books in the series also written by Peter Hepplewhite and Neil Tonge.

Main series author

  • Terry Deary is a British children's author best known for creating and writing the core Horrible Histories books.
  • He has written hundreds of children's titles, but Horrible Histories is his most famous work and the foundation of the wider franchise.

Other credited writers

  • The Horrible Histories book line is officially credited to Terry Deary alongside Peter Hepplewhite and Neil Tonge on various titles in the series.
  • These co-authors contributed to specific books within the range, while Deary remains the central creative voice most readers associate with Horrible Histories.

Quick note on illustrators

  • The distinctive look of the books comes from illustrators such as Martin Brown, Mike Phillips, Philip Reeve, and Kate Sheppard, who are repeatedly credited across the series.
  • Their cartoon style supports the series’ mix of gory facts and humour that helps engage young readers with history.

TL;DR: Horrible Histories was primarily written by Terry Deary, with contributions from Peter Hepplewhite and Neil Tonge on some books.