Terry Deary

Terry Deary is a successful British children's author, best known for his work on the Horrible Histories series. The books in this series have sold over twenty-five million copies and have been translated into multiple languages. The series has also been adapted into a cartoon series and a live-action comedy sketch show, which has aired on CBBC.

Deary was born in Sunderland, England in 1946 and began his career as a professional actor in 1972. He has also worked as a theatre-director, museum manager, drama teacher, and television presenter. He began writing when he was 29, and his writing has included fiction and popular non-fiction, as well as scripts for television, theatre, radio, audio, and new media. He has received an Honorary Doctorate of Education from the University of Sunderland in 2000, and the Blue Peter "Best Nonfiction Author of the Century" Award in the U.K.

He grew up working in his father's butcher shop and has stated that he found it to be a better experience than school, where he was beaten, bullied, and abused by his teachers. He began his writing career after turning a children's show script into a children's novel. His first novel was published in 1979 by A & C Black, who are still publishing his books 35 years later.

In addition to the Horrible Histories series, Deary is also known for his True Stories series. He has been involved in various charity works, including being a patron of Single Homeless Action Initiative in Derwentside (SHAID), Grace House Children's Hospice appeal and Integrating Children. He was awarded a degree as Doctor of Education at Sunderland University in 2000 and is an ambassador for his home city of Sunderland. He is also a road runner with Derwentside Athletic Club and takes part in races from 3 miles up to the Great North Run 13.1 miles. He has been married to Jenny since 1975 and they have a daughter, Sara, who is a talented event rider.