Books in the You Wouldn't Want To Be series

It's 1828 and you're a medical student at the world-famous Edinburgh university. You are keen to start dissecting bodies to learn all about anatomy, but be careful whom you buy your body from - some people will do anything to get their hands on one! This book explores the body-snatching craze that gripped 19th century Britain, including the infamous Burke and Hare murders. The humorous cartoon-style illustrations and the narrative approach placing readers at the centre of the narrative history encourage readers to get emotionally involved with the characters, aiding their understanding of the darker side of 19th century science. Informative captions, a complete glossary and an index make this title an ideal introduction to the conventions of non-fiction texts for young readers.

You are an 18th-century convict faced with a fate potentially worse than death: to be sent to one of the new English colonies in Australia, where you will face hardship, isolation and great danger at the razor edge of colonial enterprise. "You Wouldn't Want To Be" is a constantly-growing library of exciting titles which transport the reader to the grisliest times and places in history. The first-person narrative approach puts the reader in the shoes of some of the most unfortunate people ever to have lived. Humorous cartoon-style illustrations bring the characters to life, while informative captions explain processes or chronological events.

Get ready: as a 12-year-old girl living in Britain in the 1880s, you are about to start work for a wealthy family. You will be busy all day long as a Victorian servant. This humorous title can be used as a background approach to wider issues in Victorian times, such as class divides, daily life and the position of men and women.

Get ready: as a young man living in the Roman Empire, you've heard many stories about far-away lands and people. It sounds exciting but you're about to discover how tough life really is for a Roman soldier! The humorous cartoon-style illustrations and narrative approach will absorb readers in the informative story.

New in the "You Wouldn't Want To Be" series, this looks at life as a farmer's son living in England in the early 7th century. Explains how the Anglo-Saxons survived, ate and dressed. Ages: 7+

Get ready... as a harderned sailor, you're about to join Shackleton in what will prove to be one of the most gruelling adventures of all time as you brave your way across the bitterly cold continent of Antarctica.

Get ready... as the captain of a Spanish treasure ship sailing in the Spanish Main, you're about to get captured as a pirate's prisoner! This title in the popular You Wouldn't Want to Be series features full-colour illustrations which combine humour and accurate technical detail.

As a man brought up a British coal-mining village in the 1860s, you have to endure the dangers and difficulties of working underground in a Victorian mine. Find out how pit ponies are used, how the coal is mined, and how to survive deep underground. You'll soon learn that you really wouldn't want to be a Victorian miner!