History's Most Horrible Jobs

The Industrial Revolution brought about great changes, but this was a time before many labor laws, and many children had to work from sunup to sundown. The poor had to work as rat catchers and coal miners! Readers will take in important historical context as they learn all about these and other horrible jobs of the era. Sidebars and fact boxes add further detail, including the grotesque "secret" to softening animal hides for leather goods. Historical images and colorful illustrations draw readers deeper into the harsh reality of a pivotal era full of terrible working conditions.

Though ancient Greece and Rome had their share of terrible jobs, perhaps the worst was that of the Roman gladiator. He trained endlessly, only to fight for his life anytime entertainment was needed. While some gladiators became rich and famous, most were simply slaughtered. Readers can form their own opinions about the most horrible job in ancient Greece and Rome as they learn surprising information about time-consuming, smelly, and dangerous tasks. Historical images and illustrations highlight horrible laundry practices, food preparation, and living conditions of the time. No detail is too gross to include!

What could be worse than embalming a dead body? Being buried with it! Some pharaohs and wealthy Egyptians insisted their servants be buried with them to serve in the afterlife. Other jobs of the time were less deadly, but smellier! Readers learn a lot about ancient Egyptian society as they're introduced to the unsavory tasks of slaves, peasants, and others. Full-color images showcase archeological evidence of these gross jobs, and interesting sidebars and fact boxes add even more stinky detail. Candid examples-including the removal of a person's guts during mummification-will stay with readers long after they've finished reading.

During the Renaissance, people were pinned into their clothing, even elaborate gowns. Children often had to work as pin makers, a job that paid only about $1 for each 20,000 pins made! Clear-but gross-descriptions of other horrible jobs of the Renaissance will draw readers into the castles of lords and the dung heaps tended by peasants. The historical content supports the social studies curriculum, while sidebars and colorful images augment some of the strangest, nastiest tasks that needed doing during that time.

During Medieval times, medical practice included bloodletting, leeching, and sometimes sawing off a hand or foot. Those must have been awful jobs! But the poor physicians didn't have it as bad as dung farmers or smelly fullers. Readers will discover the many terrible tasks that needed to be done, all while learning the social and political structure of Medieval Europe. Sidebars and historical images add even more detail for readers to enjoy-horrible though it may be!

As the 13 colonies grew, they prospered with new industries and trade. However, some of these trades, like tanning animal hides, were unpleasant. From slaves and indentured servants to "mad hatters" and risk-taking whalers, jobs in the colonies could be downright horrible. Readers will delight in viewing the colonial world through a different lens while they continue to learn about life in early America. Enhanced by detailed images, the social studies content augments classroom learning through true and bewildering facts and examples of making a living in the 13 colonies.