Based on the bestselling books written by Terry Deary and illustrated by Martin Brown, here is the first of an annual dose of Horrible Histories, which will keep fans of the series horribly hooked from year to year. Packed with the usual barmy blend of foul facts, cartoon strips, stories, jokes, activities and puzzles, this full-colour hardback will keep boredom at bay during the school holidays and make an awesomely entertaining Christmas gift. The first title, Cruel Kings and Mean Queens, gives readers the lowdown on shocking sovereigns and rotten rulers, from William the Conqueror and Elizabeth I, to Genghis Khan and Mao the merciless.