The worst jobs in history: two thousand years of miserable employment

Tony Robinson, David Willcock

Pan Macmillan Limited, Sep 1, 2005 - History - 224 pages

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.

What people are saying

Review: The Worst Jobs in History

User Review  - Jane Baker - Goodreads

You can hear Tony Robinson's distinct voice in the writing. My favorites Worst Job's were the 'vomit collectors' (Roman), 'Leech collector' (Middle Ages) 'body snatchers' (Georgian?) and all the jobs that has to do with the plague.

Review: The Worst Jobs in History

User Review  - Eddy Allen - Goodreads

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 ...

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.

Bibliographic information

• Title: The worst jobs in history: two thousand years of miserable employment
• Authors: Tony Robinson, David Willcock
• Edition: illustrated, reprint
• Publisher: Pan Macmillan Limited, 2005
• ISBN: 0330438573, 9780330438575
• Length: 224 pages
• Subjects: History / General; History / Social History; Humor / Topic / Business & Professional