Friday, February 15, 2013

Downton Abbey Fan? We've Got Some Books For You

So you're getting ready for the big season finale on Sunday but you know you'll need some Downton to tide you over until Season 4. Where to start?

Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey: The Lost Legacy of Highclere Castle, by the Countess of Carnarvon, is the story of the woman whose story Julian Fellowes used as the basis of the hit TV show.

The Chronicles of Downton Abbey: A New Era documents the third season of the show. Get up to date here!

If you want to go back to the very beginning, get the complete scoop with Downton Abbey Script Book Season 1.

For the story behind the story, Margaret Powell's Below Stairs is her real-life memoir of life in service, which inspired "Upstairs, Downstairs," "Downton Abbey"'s progenitor in the annals of the upper classes.

The Butler's Guide to Running the Home and Other Graces, by Stanley Ager and Fiona St. Aubyn will give you all of Carson's tips and tricks!

Intrigued by all of Mrs. Pattmore's delicious-looking dishes? Check out The Unofficial Downton Abbey Cookbook. You can try your own scones, roasts and more.

To Marry an English Lord, by Gail MacColl and Carol MCD Wallace will give you the real historical backstory behind marriages like Cora and Robert's.

For World War 1 history, Peter Englund's The Beauty and The Sorrow  offers a detailed and personal history of the Great War as seen through the eyes of people from all walks of life.

Or maybe you'd like some fiction set in the Downton era. I'd recommend Richard Mason's delightful and racy The History of a Pleasure Seeker, or Sadie Jones's The Uninvited Guests. Also consider: Nancy Mitford, P.G. Wodehouse and even Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca.

Or just ask a bookseller for a recommendation and we'll do our best to help you!

1 comment:

Ann Summerville said...

I read below stairs. I found it particularly interesting because my grandmother was a kitchen maid.
Ann


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