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The World of Downton Abbey
A lavish look at the real world--both the secret history and the behind-the-scenes drama--of the spellbinding Emmy Award-winning Masterpiece TV series Downton Abbey April 1912. The sun is rising behind Downton Abbey, a great and splendid house in a great and splendid park. So secure does it appear that it seems as if the way it represents will last for another thousand years. It won't. Millions of American viewers were enthralled by the world of Downton Abbey, the mesmerizing TV drama of the aristocratic Crawley family--and their servants--on the verge of dramatic change. On the eve of Season 2 of the TV presentation, this gorgeous book--illustrated with sketches and research from the production team, as well as on-set photographs from both seasons--takes us even deeper into that world, with fresh insights into the story and characters as well as the social history.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published December 6, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 761 reviews
February 3, 2016
Posted at Shelf Inflicted
As a huge fan of the Downton Abbey TV series, I was thrilled to find this book beckoning to me from the library’s front desk display.
It’s a lovely book with gorgeous photos and historical information about British life during the World War I era. It shows the contrasts between the wealthy Crawley family and the servants below stairs and goes into detail about the servants’ duties and the hierarchy within the staff. There are also tidbits about the people and places that inspired the series.
There are sections devoted to family life, romance and marriage, house and furnishings, clothing styles, war, and the lives of the servants.
In the section on hunting, there is a description by Ernest King on how he cleaned his master’s hunting clothes:
The last section gives a glimpse behind the scenes – historical details, camera work, hairstyles and makeup, military uniforms and war scenes. At the end is a list of books for further reading.
If you enjoy the series, this is an excellent companion book.
As a huge fan of the Downton Abbey TV series, I was thrilled to find this book beckoning to me from the library’s front desk display.
It’s a lovely book with gorgeous photos and historical information about British life during the World War I era. It shows the contrasts between the wealthy Crawley family and the servants below stairs and goes into detail about the servants’ duties and the hierarchy within the staff. There are also tidbits about the people and places that inspired the series.
There are sections devoted to family life, romance and marriage, house and furnishings, clothing styles, war, and the lives of the servants.
In the section on hunting, there is a description by Ernest King on how he cleaned his master’s hunting clothes:
“From horse and rider perspiring, from a fall in a muddy ditch or field, they can come back in a pretty mess, especially the coat tails. When in this state we would ask the housemaid to save us the contents of the chamber pots, at least a bucketful. It was truly miraculous in getting the dirt out. That was immediately followed, I hasten to add, by brushing with clean water. I’ve often wondered if all the smart and fashionable hunting folk ever knew of the means taken to keep their coats so smartly turned out.”
The last section gives a glimpse behind the scenes – historical details, camera work, hairstyles and makeup, military uniforms and war scenes. At the end is a list of books for further reading.
If you enjoy the series, this is an excellent companion book.
June 25, 2023
I recently was bitten by the bug of Downton Abbey, learning all about Edwardian England and the drama of the upper classes. While I was not too sure how I would feel about the show, I was soon addicted and could not get enough. As I pushed my way through the series, I decided to pick up this short book by Jessica Fellowes, exploring not only the show, but offering up some historical context for those who want a little more than what appears on the screen. Fellowes does well to offer up some great backstory, while not sharing too many spoilers from the show. I am pleased to have taken the time to grab this book, as it really did complement things well.
The idea of Downton Abbey seems simple; upper class English family, living on an estate, with a plethora of servants and a village that idolizes them. However, there is so much more to the story, as depicted in the opening episode of the television series. This is but one aspect of the era, Edwardian England, as Jessica Fellowes explains in the opening chapters of the book. She explains not only how the era flavours the series, but also how individuals offer their own perspectives on pre-Great War England. Class lines were firmly drawn, as were the roles within households, all complementing one another in a respectful and understanding way. As the series progresses, major changes come to England, which are tackled in the show and Fellowes explores them for the reader to better comprehend.
There is also some much-needed backstory of the characters, things that never made it onto the screen. How did Robert and Cora end up together? What were Mary’s thoughts as she grew up, related to marriage and men? How did Edith survive as a middle child, between two sisters who were so ‘out there’? All this and more are tackled within the short book, which provides series fans a great context for those they admire most. That can only make the story come alive even more, while positing extrapolated moments.
I have told some how much fun it would be to have some books complement the television series. While I know some books offer saccharine and silly offshoots to shows and movies, I feel as though, in the right hands, a writer could really make the series pop on the printed page. I have a few seasons to go and two movies, but I would also love to read a book series that is just as detailed and dramatic as Downton Abbey presents itself on television. Should anyone know of such a series, I would love the recommendation and would try it for myself.
Jessica Fellowes does well to illustrate the wonders of Downton Abbey, leaving me want to in to rush up to watch the show even more. Fellowes shines light on some of the key aspects of the time, in short chapters. She explores the characters, the history, and even the stories about producing the show. I can only wonder what awaits me as I push through the final three seasons of the show. Fellowes sells the show and the idea to those who are still teetering about wanting to commit to it and wonder how they might attach themselves to the Crowleys and the others who cross the screen. With few spoilers, the book allows those who are not sure about taking the leap, without spilling the major dramas that occurred within. I am eager to get back to the show, but will keep my eye out for more books of this nature.
Kudos, Madam Fellowes, for a refreshing look at all this Downton!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
The idea of Downton Abbey seems simple; upper class English family, living on an estate, with a plethora of servants and a village that idolizes them. However, there is so much more to the story, as depicted in the opening episode of the television series. This is but one aspect of the era, Edwardian England, as Jessica Fellowes explains in the opening chapters of the book. She explains not only how the era flavours the series, but also how individuals offer their own perspectives on pre-Great War England. Class lines were firmly drawn, as were the roles within households, all complementing one another in a respectful and understanding way. As the series progresses, major changes come to England, which are tackled in the show and Fellowes explores them for the reader to better comprehend.
There is also some much-needed backstory of the characters, things that never made it onto the screen. How did Robert and Cora end up together? What were Mary’s thoughts as she grew up, related to marriage and men? How did Edith survive as a middle child, between two sisters who were so ‘out there’? All this and more are tackled within the short book, which provides series fans a great context for those they admire most. That can only make the story come alive even more, while positing extrapolated moments.
I have told some how much fun it would be to have some books complement the television series. While I know some books offer saccharine and silly offshoots to shows and movies, I feel as though, in the right hands, a writer could really make the series pop on the printed page. I have a few seasons to go and two movies, but I would also love to read a book series that is just as detailed and dramatic as Downton Abbey presents itself on television. Should anyone know of such a series, I would love the recommendation and would try it for myself.
Jessica Fellowes does well to illustrate the wonders of Downton Abbey, leaving me want to in to rush up to watch the show even more. Fellowes shines light on some of the key aspects of the time, in short chapters. She explores the characters, the history, and even the stories about producing the show. I can only wonder what awaits me as I push through the final three seasons of the show. Fellowes sells the show and the idea to those who are still teetering about wanting to commit to it and wonder how they might attach themselves to the Crowleys and the others who cross the screen. With few spoilers, the book allows those who are not sure about taking the leap, without spilling the major dramas that occurred within. I am eager to get back to the show, but will keep my eye out for more books of this nature.
Kudos, Madam Fellowes, for a refreshing look at all this Downton!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
October 5, 2019
This is an amazing and beautiful companion for the beginning of the television series. It includes season one and season two primarily but has hints of season three as well.
Along with stunning photographs, this book includes insight towards the series and character backgrounds that are not always directly spoken of on screen. Additionally, historical information is given towards what was happening in reality parallel to the storyline of the show.
For those that like the television show, I would say this is a must read. It really did add to my experience of the show as a whole and I feel like I understand characters and the period of time more.
I'm hoping the other companions for the rest of the series are just as informative and are as beautiful to read.
Along with stunning photographs, this book includes insight towards the series and character backgrounds that are not always directly spoken of on screen. Additionally, historical information is given towards what was happening in reality parallel to the storyline of the show.
For those that like the television show, I would say this is a must read. It really did add to my experience of the show as a whole and I feel like I understand characters and the period of time more.
I'm hoping the other companions for the rest of the series are just as informative and are as beautiful to read.
August 22, 2020
You don't have to be a diehard fan to appreciate The World of Downton Abbey, but it would help if you've at least seen the first two seasons of this historical drama. Normally I avoid soap operas, but I'm not immune to the beautiful production values of "Downton Abbey."
In this book, Fellowes provides photographs, behind the scenes information and historical context. Although the first two seasons are set in the 1910s, what the characters experience will be familiar because the series is about the human condition, albeit set mostly within a gorgeous background that few would ever experience. Societal division and economic disparities are played out by the contrasting lives of the British aristocracy and their servants. Technological innovations - radio, telephones, electricity - are regarded with affront by older folks while embraced gladly by younger people. Gender roles as initially determined by socioeconomic classes are upended by the external shock of World War I. The combination of technological improvements coupled with wartime employment dramatically alter social attitudes and occupational choices.
I had recently read The Five by Hallie Rubenhold. She's a social historian who wrote about poverty in Britain in the late 1800s as she structured her book around the victims of Jack the Ripper. The seeds of social reform were sown then (as described in my review ) but it took years before widespread social reform came to fruition. The World of Downton Abbey picks up the social history from Rubenhold's book. England created national health insurance and pension plans to mitigate the plight of the average working man. To fund these programs, death duties (ie. taxes) were levied on lavish aristocratic homes starting in 1894 and rates increased in 1909 and 1919. The government also raised income tax rates. All of these government policies explain why Robert, the Viscount Grantham, married Cora, whose wealth more than compensated for her non-aristocratic antecedents and her American nationality.
In 1912, the start of Downton Abbey, socioeconomic upward mobility is still pretty limited. One of every dozen British children live in poverty. These realities make the long hours of "being in service," and especially working for a highly ranked lord, desirable employment. But society is on the precipice of greater upheaval just two years before war. Nobody in Downton Abbey will be left unaffected, especially the women as Lady Sybil works as a nurse and the Countess relishes being more than a decorative and decorous lady during WWI.
Given current events, it's too bad that The World of Downton Abbey didn't mention the influenza pandemic of 1918, which kills Matthew's fiance Lavinia. That influenza strain spread globally from the US and infected one - third of the world. But take heart, the world survived that and we will get past the COVID 19 pandemic.
In this book, Fellowes provides photographs, behind the scenes information and historical context. Although the first two seasons are set in the 1910s, what the characters experience will be familiar because the series is about the human condition, albeit set mostly within a gorgeous background that few would ever experience. Societal division and economic disparities are played out by the contrasting lives of the British aristocracy and their servants. Technological innovations - radio, telephones, electricity - are regarded with affront by older folks while embraced gladly by younger people. Gender roles as initially determined by socioeconomic classes are upended by the external shock of World War I. The combination of technological improvements coupled with wartime employment dramatically alter social attitudes and occupational choices.
I had recently read The Five by Hallie Rubenhold. She's a social historian who wrote about poverty in Britain in the late 1800s as she structured her book around the victims of Jack the Ripper. The seeds of social reform were sown then (as described in my review ) but it took years before widespread social reform came to fruition. The World of Downton Abbey picks up the social history from Rubenhold's book. England created national health insurance and pension plans to mitigate the plight of the average working man. To fund these programs, death duties (ie. taxes) were levied on lavish aristocratic homes starting in 1894 and rates increased in 1909 and 1919. The government also raised income tax rates. All of these government policies explain why Robert, the Viscount Grantham, married Cora, whose wealth more than compensated for her non-aristocratic antecedents and her American nationality.
In 1912, the start of Downton Abbey, socioeconomic upward mobility is still pretty limited. One of every dozen British children live in poverty. These realities make the long hours of "being in service," and especially working for a highly ranked lord, desirable employment. But society is on the precipice of greater upheaval just two years before war. Nobody in Downton Abbey will be left unaffected, especially the women as Lady Sybil works as a nurse and the Countess relishes being more than a decorative and decorous lady during WWI.
Given current events, it's too bad that The World of Downton Abbey didn't mention the influenza pandemic of 1918, which kills Matthew's fiance Lavinia. That influenza strain spread globally from the US and infected one - third of the world. But take heart, the world survived that and we will get past the COVID 19 pandemic.
August 17, 2017
I really enjoyed this beautiful, gorgeous hardcover book full of glossy, colourful photos, and interesting tidbits of information! There was a bit of everything in this wonderful book; behind-the-scenes look, background information as to the setting and locations, inspirations behind the characters, fascinating historical detail, a look at the costumes and the process of building the characters' wardrobes (my inner costume designer was #happy), and much, much more!
It goes without saying that if you are a Downton Abbey fan, you will definitely enjoy this :) It was beautiful and super interesting, and I highly, highly recommend it. It's the perfect companion to Seasons 1 & 2, or if you just happen to be in need of a quick Downton fix ;)
Either way, this book makes a lovely addition to any book lover's shelf!
Seriously though, if for some deranged reason you're NOT watching Downton Abbey...something is def wrong :P :P WATCH IT. LOVE IT. LIVE IT. (Live in it?! I wiiiiiiish!)
It goes without saying that if you are a Downton Abbey fan, you will definitely enjoy this :) It was beautiful and super interesting, and I highly, highly recommend it. It's the perfect companion to Seasons 1 & 2, or if you just happen to be in need of a quick Downton fix ;)
Either way, this book makes a lovely addition to any book lover's shelf!
Seriously though, if for some deranged reason you're NOT watching Downton Abbey...something is def wrong :P :P WATCH IT. LOVE IT. LIVE IT. (Live in it?! I wiiiiiiish!)
February 22, 2012
Normally I don't read TV companions like this, but I had to make an exception for Downton Abbey, and I'm glad I did. This show is like crack for anybody who enjoys period dramas and is also an excellent beginning series for those who aren't so into this kind of stuff (I swear that my husband is anticipating the second series more than me). The book has a beautiful layout and contains enough researched information from the time period (the series starts in 1912... two years in George V's reign) to keep readers satisfied. It's a great read for fans.
June 4, 2018
This book was a beautiful and a rather fascinating trip down memory lane. When Downton Abbey finished airing after the sixth series, truth be told, I was utterly devastated. No, really. I think I nearly shed a tear. I had to really rethink how I was going to go about my life, with no Dame Maggie Smith as "Violet Crawley" in it.
I haven't given this book five stars just because it's Downton Abbey. I've given it a high rating because not only does this book give you interesting snippets of information about the characters, but it also gives you a history lesson of a sort about the customs and history of the era. This book discusses the lives of wealthy families, and the servants that lived below stairs. The section about the War, the conditions in the trenches, and the nurses that took care of the soldiers was nothing less than fascinating.
Throughout the book there are lavish photographs of the cast, the settings in which Downton was filmed and historical photos that were related to the time period. This is the kind of book you can dip into, whenever one feels like it. Or, if you're like me, this is the kind of book you can dip into, whenever you miss Downton Abbey.
I haven't given this book five stars just because it's Downton Abbey. I've given it a high rating because not only does this book give you interesting snippets of information about the characters, but it also gives you a history lesson of a sort about the customs and history of the era. This book discusses the lives of wealthy families, and the servants that lived below stairs. The section about the War, the conditions in the trenches, and the nurses that took care of the soldiers was nothing less than fascinating.
Throughout the book there are lavish photographs of the cast, the settings in which Downton was filmed and historical photos that were related to the time period. This is the kind of book you can dip into, whenever one feels like it. Or, if you're like me, this is the kind of book you can dip into, whenever you miss Downton Abbey.
October 30, 2020
The author hit what I was aiming at, interweaving a cultural history of Britain with impact on the characters on the show.
March 1, 2020
As someone totally obsessed with Downton Abbey, I devoured this book.
Filled with little snippets of interesting information, the book is beautifully illustrated and the photographs are gorgeous.
It's a great book to thumb through while enjoying a cup of tea. It would also make a great gift.
Filled with little snippets of interesting information, the book is beautifully illustrated and the photographs are gorgeous.
It's a great book to thumb through while enjoying a cup of tea. It would also make a great gift.
March 6, 2014
Read by Elizabeth McGovern
BLURB: Downton Abbey' has captured the imagination of the nation. Written by Oscar-winning writer Julian Fellowes, the show has become the benchmark for quality drama and a commentary on all things British.
'Downton Abbey' portrays a world of elegance and decadence, a world of duty and obedience, and a world of romance and rivalry. This companion book, full of rich historical detail, takes fans deeper into that period than ever before.
Step inside one of the most beautiful houses in Britain, past Carson the butler at the front door and into the grand hallway. Catch a glimpse of the family having drinks in the drawing room before dinner, dressed in their evening finery, whilst Lord Grantham finishes writing a letter in his study. Then climb the grand sweeping staircase to the maze of rooms upstairs and peak through Lady Mary’s open door to see Anna, her maid, tidying scent bottles and jewellery on the ornate dressing table. Follow Anna down the servants’ stairs and into the kitchens to watch Mrs. Patmore frantically preparing dinner. Mrs. Hughes keeps a watchful eye from her study and the world of Downton comes alive before you.
Experience the inner workings of the downstairs life and be dazzled by the glamour of upstairs life with profiles of all the major characters, interviews with the actors, behind the scenes insights, and in-depth information on costumes and props.
Running Time: 3 hours, 23 minutes
This is the background of the times that Downton Abbey is set in with interesting takes on class, costume and working conditions. A shortie.
BLURB: Downton Abbey' has captured the imagination of the nation. Written by Oscar-winning writer Julian Fellowes, the show has become the benchmark for quality drama and a commentary on all things British.
'Downton Abbey' portrays a world of elegance and decadence, a world of duty and obedience, and a world of romance and rivalry. This companion book, full of rich historical detail, takes fans deeper into that period than ever before.
Step inside one of the most beautiful houses in Britain, past Carson the butler at the front door and into the grand hallway. Catch a glimpse of the family having drinks in the drawing room before dinner, dressed in their evening finery, whilst Lord Grantham finishes writing a letter in his study. Then climb the grand sweeping staircase to the maze of rooms upstairs and peak through Lady Mary’s open door to see Anna, her maid, tidying scent bottles and jewellery on the ornate dressing table. Follow Anna down the servants’ stairs and into the kitchens to watch Mrs. Patmore frantically preparing dinner. Mrs. Hughes keeps a watchful eye from her study and the world of Downton comes alive before you.
Experience the inner workings of the downstairs life and be dazzled by the glamour of upstairs life with profiles of all the major characters, interviews with the actors, behind the scenes insights, and in-depth information on costumes and props.
Running Time: 3 hours, 23 minutes
This is the background of the times that Downton Abbey is set in with interesting takes on class, costume and working conditions. A shortie.
May 22, 2017
A must read for any Downton Abbey fan.
October 31, 2020
very enjoyabke if you liked the tv show.
September 18, 2012
This is an excellent companion book to the television show with the same title.
There is much about the show, including many terrific photos, behind the scenes information about settings and characters, etc. etc.
There is also a lot of non-fiction historical information about the period.
I enjoyed it all.
It’s a beautiful coffee table type book, with quite a bit of substance.
I kind of rushed through the last couple chapters (unfortunately) because it’s due back at the library and there is a queue so I cannot renew it.
I’d recommend reading this book asap if you’re going to read it. I’m glad I read it after seeing seasons 1 and 2 but before seeing the upcoming season 3. I know many new characters and situations will be introduced and I suspect if I’d read this after viewing the third season, I’d feel frustrated at its incompleteness. Reading it now, it felt complete, and it also gave me new insight into some of the characters and situations. Poor Daisy! Her schedule is even harsher than I’d imagined.
I’ve never had servants or been a servant. I think I like it that way. I don’t think I’d enjoy either role. The series is so enjoyable though, at least so far. It was perfect for me to read this book now, while I’m waiting for the airing of the next season. I’ll watch it this time as it airs. The first two seasons I watched on DVD, one episode after the other, with a very short interval between the 2 seasons.
There is much about the show, including many terrific photos, behind the scenes information about settings and characters, etc. etc.
There is also a lot of non-fiction historical information about the period.
I enjoyed it all.
It’s a beautiful coffee table type book, with quite a bit of substance.
I kind of rushed through the last couple chapters (unfortunately) because it’s due back at the library and there is a queue so I cannot renew it.
I’d recommend reading this book asap if you’re going to read it. I’m glad I read it after seeing seasons 1 and 2 but before seeing the upcoming season 3. I know many new characters and situations will be introduced and I suspect if I’d read this after viewing the third season, I’d feel frustrated at its incompleteness. Reading it now, it felt complete, and it also gave me new insight into some of the characters and situations. Poor Daisy! Her schedule is even harsher than I’d imagined.
I’ve never had servants or been a servant. I think I like it that way. I don’t think I’d enjoy either role. The series is so enjoyable though, at least so far. It was perfect for me to read this book now, while I’m waiting for the airing of the next season. I’ll watch it this time as it airs. The first two seasons I watched on DVD, one episode after the other, with a very short interval between the 2 seasons.
February 7, 2017
A very nice, informative, beautifully illustrated book (with exquisite pictures), about the TV series "Downtown Abbey" that I so loved watching.
This book is not just about the TV series, but it also an endearing portray of the social, aesthetic and cultural environment of the time (end of the 19th century - beginning of the 20th century, up to the post-WWI years), period when the British aristocracy saw their traditional world deeply challenged, and progressively and irretrievably transformed.
This world was definitely elitist, unsustainable, unashamedly hierarchical, tremendously inefficient and socially unacceptable, it is all true, but it was also quite fascinating and it had a sort of internal logic. Some landowners took very seriously their responsibility as employers, also providing a sort of welfare mechanism to support their workers and servants. Thanks heaven such aristocratic society has disappeared, but it must be said that there was class and glamour in it (if you happened to be born into the upper crust of society).
Sadly, the current ignorant and crass plutocracy, exemplified by that orange-haired, real estate buffoon and vacuous, sub-cultured boar named Donald Trump, does not even have that....
This book is not just about the TV series, but it also an endearing portray of the social, aesthetic and cultural environment of the time (end of the 19th century - beginning of the 20th century, up to the post-WWI years), period when the British aristocracy saw their traditional world deeply challenged, and progressively and irretrievably transformed.
This world was definitely elitist, unsustainable, unashamedly hierarchical, tremendously inefficient and socially unacceptable, it is all true, but it was also quite fascinating and it had a sort of internal logic. Some landowners took very seriously their responsibility as employers, also providing a sort of welfare mechanism to support their workers and servants. Thanks heaven such aristocratic society has disappeared, but it must be said that there was class and glamour in it (if you happened to be born into the upper crust of society).
Sadly, the current ignorant and crass plutocracy, exemplified by that orange-haired, real estate buffoon and vacuous, sub-cultured boar named Donald Trump, does not even have that....
October 20, 2012
This attractive book practically jumped off the library shelf into my arms. I could not resist the temptation to peruse these pages after savoring each episode of the companion Masterpiece presentation.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is a lovely book, with fine, detailed photography. It was a pleasure poring over the pictures and reviewing the stories of each character, each episode and each place. The clarity of the photos seemed to again bring alive all those people and the residence they shared.
One might call this a "coffee table book", but it was more than that. In addition to the fictionalized accounts viewed in this series, there were historical facts and sites which were interestingly explored and delineated by the author.
March 15, 2019
There is a line that encapsulates the essence of this wonderful book: “Downton Abbey is more than a house, it is a whole civilisation.” While the television series often comes across as a soap opera, what Jessica Fellowes reveals here is just how much thought went into the writing, in particular, to convey a real ‘lived-in’ sense of late Edwardian society and culture.
All those bon mots delivered so witheringly by Maggie Smith were far more than barbed remarks: they were an attitude, and a way of life. What I particularly liked is how lines of actual dialogue are analysed to reveal the underlying attitudes or mores.
And then there is the production design, which had to jump through many a hoop due to budgetary and other restrictions. I think the reason I enjoy historic fiction as much as science fiction is that both genres deal with recreations of non-existent worlds.
While this is a perfect companion to the television series – in that it enriches your understanding of the world it depicts, and gives the viewer a deep respect of the sweat-and-tears that went into its making – the true measure of this book is that it can stand perfectly on its own.
All those bon mots delivered so witheringly by Maggie Smith were far more than barbed remarks: they were an attitude, and a way of life. What I particularly liked is how lines of actual dialogue are analysed to reveal the underlying attitudes or mores.
And then there is the production design, which had to jump through many a hoop due to budgetary and other restrictions. I think the reason I enjoy historic fiction as much as science fiction is that both genres deal with recreations of non-existent worlds.
While this is a perfect companion to the television series – in that it enriches your understanding of the world it depicts, and gives the viewer a deep respect of the sweat-and-tears that went into its making – the true measure of this book is that it can stand perfectly on its own.
March 16, 2012
If you loved the series, you should also enjoy this in-depth companion book. Filled with behind-the-scenes info., a historical perspective of the time period, and some gorgeous photos, I sat and read this from cover to cover in one afternoon.
1 star deducted because some parts seemed a bit disorganized in the presentation. Otherwise, great stuff for those of us going through Downton Abbey withdrawal symptons.
1 star deducted because some parts seemed a bit disorganized in the presentation. Otherwise, great stuff for those of us going through Downton Abbey withdrawal symptons.
July 27, 2014
I was impressed with both the gorgeous color photographs and the written content in this companion book to the first two seasons of "Downton Abbey." The plot is not revealed, except in very general terms, so the book is not a spoiler for the reader who has not seen all the episodes. It gives insight into the lives of both the wealthy Crawleys and their servants in Yorkshire in 1912. The oldest daughters were presented to Society in the hopes of making a good match in the first few episodes. There were big changes as woman wanted the vote, automobiles replaced horses, and Downton Abbey got electricity and telephones. When World War I started, many of the men at Downton Abbey went to war, and part of the mansion was devoted to the rehabilitation of wounded soldiers.
The book takes the reader behind the scenes as it discusses everything from period costumes and hairstyles to filming the scenes in the trenches in an Ipswich location which was specially built for World War recreations. Photographs and stories of famous people of the era are included in the historical section since they served as inspiration for characters in the television series. The crew tries to keep everything authentic to the period in history. This book was a wonderful, informative look behind the scenes at "Downton Abbey."
The book takes the reader behind the scenes as it discusses everything from period costumes and hairstyles to filming the scenes in the trenches in an Ipswich location which was specially built for World War recreations. Photographs and stories of famous people of the era are included in the historical section since they served as inspiration for characters in the television series. The crew tries to keep everything authentic to the period in history. This book was a wonderful, informative look behind the scenes at "Downton Abbey."
July 6, 2019
Das Buch ist eine gute Ergänzung zu den ersten beiden Staffeln, da es die historischen, sozialen und politischen Hintergründe der Zeit näher erklärt und so viele Geschehnisse der Serie noch besswr verständlich macht. Nebenbei gibt es viele Hintergrundinformationen zu den Personen, die teilweise in der Serie nicht in dieser Tiefe dargestellt, zum Verständnis der Person und ihrer Handlungen aber hilfreich sind. Für mich war es ein interessanter Einblick in die damalige Zeit und deren Umsetzung in die Serie.
December 19, 2011
In December, when all the great gift books are released, I usually purchase myself a book that will be a delight for years to come. This year I struck gold with The World of Downton Abbey by Jessica Fellows. With the broadcast of season two beginning on January 8th on PBS I eagerly devoured the book which is filled with information on both the production and the history of the time depicted. With chapters devoted to subjects like “Life in Service” and “House and Estate” readers gain insight into what it was like to live and work in one of the grand Country Estates. Many if the characters were inspired by the real lives of some very interesting people, who are profiled in The World of Downton Abbey. Chapters titled War or Romance provide information about the social mores of the time. A chapter dedicated to style not only explains the costume design it also explores the designers of the time and the requirements of garments based upon one’s station in life. Devoted fans will enjoy the behind the scenes information as well as the poignant quotes from season one. Full of splendid, glossy photos, both historic and from the first season, the book is homage to both the series and Estate Society of England at the time of the First World War.
July 23, 2016
This companion to Downton Abbey(seasons one and two) is filled with such lush and arresting visuals I had to do more than merely write a review! I hope this little video I made of the chapter pages and included flip-through help illustrate the gorgeous artwork, stunning layout, and massive amount of information to be absorbed in these pages.
Fans of the ITV/PBS miniseries will delight in learning more about the Edwardian time period, the daily routines and lifestyles of aristocrats and servants, and the real-life stories about people who lived during this Era. I especially enjoyed the little nuggets of information and history that came from diaries, journals, and memoirs of people who spent their lives in service. In addition, I loved reading accounts and descriptions of the real-life people who inspired characters in the series such as Lady Cora, Sir Richard Carlisle, and The Dowager Countess. I truly believe that every Downton Abbey addict and devotee NEEDS to own this sumptuous, illuminating, and thorough companion novel!
Fans of the ITV/PBS miniseries will delight in learning more about the Edwardian time period, the daily routines and lifestyles of aristocrats and servants, and the real-life stories about people who lived during this Era. I especially enjoyed the little nuggets of information and history that came from diaries, journals, and memoirs of people who spent their lives in service. In addition, I loved reading accounts and descriptions of the real-life people who inspired characters in the series such as Lady Cora, Sir Richard Carlisle, and The Dowager Countess. I truly believe that every Downton Abbey addict and devotee NEEDS to own this sumptuous, illuminating, and thorough companion novel!
October 1, 2011
The World of Downton Abbey" is a stunningly beautiful companion book to this wonderful television show --- you can see that it was put together with a lot of thought and attention to detail! It is a hardcover book printed on glossy paper, and on its 303 pages it offers a wealth of pictures and information.
The book begins with a foreword by series creator Julian Fellowes and is split into 9 different sections after that:
Family Life
Society
Change
Life in Service
Style
House & Estate
Romance
War
Behind the Scenes
It contains not only tons of background information about the show but also lots of interesting tidbits about life shortly before and during the First World War. There are lots of pictures from the show, of course, but also original photos from the era it is set in as well as war posters, costume sketches, etc.!
In my opinion, The World of Downton Abbey" is one of the most gorgeous and lavishly designed companion books ever to come along!
The book begins with a foreword by series creator Julian Fellowes and is split into 9 different sections after that:
Family Life
Society
Change
Life in Service
Style
House & Estate
Romance
War
Behind the Scenes
It contains not only tons of background information about the show but also lots of interesting tidbits about life shortly before and during the First World War. There are lots of pictures from the show, of course, but also original photos from the era it is set in as well as war posters, costume sketches, etc.!
In my opinion, The World of Downton Abbey" is one of the most gorgeous and lavishly designed companion books ever to come along!
November 26, 2012
Hoping to check this out again as I did not finish it before some other eager DA fan placed a hold on it at the library. It's absolutely gorgeous, though--lots of great photography from the miniseries, behind-the-scenes, and vintage ephemera. The "world" of Downton Abbey is explored both in terms of the real world in which the miniseries is set as well as in the behind-the-scenes world of the production. I wanted a bit more in some cases, but all in all it's entertaining and informative.
Sections include:
Family Life
Society
Change
Life in Service
Style
House & Estate
Romance
War
Behind the Scenes
Utterly delicious for those of us craving more DA in our diet (and especially those of us here in the States having to fast until January's Season Three premier!) and would make a great gift for the DA fan, too.
Sections include:
Family Life
Society
Change
Life in Service
Style
House & Estate
Romance
War
Behind the Scenes
Utterly delicious for those of us craving more DA in our diet (and especially those of us here in the States having to fast until January's Season Three premier!) and would make a great gift for the DA fan, too.
January 9, 2012
I'm a tragic fan of Downton. TRAGIC. Not ashamed of it either! I've got the soundtrack as well. I play it on high rotation when walking my dogs. My expanding waistline was already making me feel like stiff-lipped Lord Grantham getting the bad news about his war effort, so the music leaves me pretty much stinking of noblesse oblige. Therefore, I bloody loved this book. If I could have taken it out walking with me too, I would have. Common sense and a fear of limb fractures stopped me. This book was a treasured birthday present from my beloved, who knows me very well. Recommended for fellow tragics.
May 3, 2012
I would only recommend this book for diehard Downton Abbey fans, although I think these fans are smart enough to avoid such ploys to capitalize on the show's popularity. The majority of the pages are covered in beautiful TV stills, but the accompanying text is redundant and does nothing to expand on what is already gleaned from the show. I would have loved to learn more about the real-life inspirations behind the show's setting and characters, but such information was few and far between, making for an overall boring read.
July 25, 2017
This was an ok book, I think I would have enjoyed it more if I didn't know about this era in British History. The book uses Downton Abbey to explain how a Manor house works. Starting with explaining the basics of how many American Duchesses came to the UK during that time, going on to which servant did what, and what those in the family wore during which time of day. It was a bit too basic for me.
April 29, 2012
This is a beautifully photographed companion book to the series.
April 18, 2012
Why I wanted to read it: Because I am hopelessly addicted to the series and can not get enough about this time period, location, and these fascinating people!
Source: Public Library
The pictures are beautiful and this is an absolutely gorgeous book to behold! But even more important than stunning eye candy, this book is filled with wonderful historical stories, ephemera from the time period, and suggestions for further reading and viewing. Let's take a look inside, shall we?
Family Life- the author allows the reader an inside glimpse into the lives of all that call Downton Abbey home. I enjoyed reading a bit more of these characters that I feel I have come to know very personally. You also learn more about titles and the roles of each of the privileged family members. I liked reading about the kitchen life and what it may have been like below stairs.
Society- I found this chapter very enlightening and highly entertaining! I had to laugh at how it was perfectly acceptable to be married and have affairs, but so scandalous if you were not married and succumbed to a night of passion, like our dear Mary did!
Change- what a pivotal era in history. So much change occurred between 1913 and 1919 that if you really thought about it would have been mind boggling! I loved this chapter and really thought there was some great information to be gleaned.
Life in Service- amazing insight into what it meant to be a servant in a great house! But if you were the cook, butler, lady's maid, you really had no life! Could you imagine only having a few hours off each Sunday and that's all??? This chapter really fascinated me because of how familiar the rich became with some of their staff at the end of the day!
Style- I loved looking at all of the glamorous outfits and the fashion from the day. So many of the garments that the actors wear are original and delicate. Amazing attention to detail and the fabrics were scrumptious! The corsets though are one that I would not have been able to abide! I fear I would have been a rebel like Sybil and went for the trousers!
House & Estate- This chapter brought with it a greater appreciation for the pressure the Earl of Grantham was under in order to keep Downton Abbey a viable estate. There is quite a bit that goes into keeping up this grand palace and none of it is cheap or without many, many servants.
Romance- Well, isn't this what keeps many of us coming back for more? The romance, the subtle flirting, the endless parade of potential grooms??? I have to say that I'm so glad that I wasn't a rich, young, eligible woman during this time period. How much time the matriarch's of the family spent trying to make a "suitable" marriage for their daughters! How exasperating to be pushed upon old, feeble men just because they had title and wealth!
War- I learned so much! Honestly, I did and this chapter had me glued to the pages! Fascinating stuff that reads so much better at times than fiction!
Behind the Scenes- I loved getting a glimpse into all the various aspects of bringing one show to viewers like myself. It's mind boggling how much time goes into each production.
I will be ordering my own copy of this wonderful book! It's truly a work of art and there's so much to explore within the pages that one read simply doesn't do it justice! I have added several books and movies to my must-read/must-view list and I'm sure that perusing it again would only continue to further add to my collection. This is well-worth the money and will bring you hours of entertainment long after closing the final page.
List of movies/shows to watch:
Howard's End
Gosford Park
Upstairs, Downstairs
The Jewel in the Crown
Brideshead Revisited
Books to read:
Howard's End
House of Mirth (reread)
Three Weeks by Elinor Glyn
Favorite piece of information (p. 146 from the chapter of Style)
This is about the evening gown which was worn between five and seven o'clock, it gave rise to the french phrase 'cinq a sept.' This referred to the hours when lovers were received, the only time of day when a maid wouldn't need to be there to help you undress and therefore discover your secret.
Lady Colin Campbell's divorce hinged on the fact that her clothes had clearly been fastened by a man who didn't know what he was doing; when her lady's maid saw her for her next change, the fastenings were higgledy-piggledy.
Could you imagine getting caught in an affair because your maid squealed to the court that your dress was fastened all wrong???!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This made laugh big time!
Bookish Thoughts #23
© 2012, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved.
Source: Public Library
The pictures are beautiful and this is an absolutely gorgeous book to behold! But even more important than stunning eye candy, this book is filled with wonderful historical stories, ephemera from the time period, and suggestions for further reading and viewing. Let's take a look inside, shall we?
Family Life- the author allows the reader an inside glimpse into the lives of all that call Downton Abbey home. I enjoyed reading a bit more of these characters that I feel I have come to know very personally. You also learn more about titles and the roles of each of the privileged family members. I liked reading about the kitchen life and what it may have been like below stairs.
Society- I found this chapter very enlightening and highly entertaining! I had to laugh at how it was perfectly acceptable to be married and have affairs, but so scandalous if you were not married and succumbed to a night of passion, like our dear Mary did!
Change- what a pivotal era in history. So much change occurred between 1913 and 1919 that if you really thought about it would have been mind boggling! I loved this chapter and really thought there was some great information to be gleaned.
Life in Service- amazing insight into what it meant to be a servant in a great house! But if you were the cook, butler, lady's maid, you really had no life! Could you imagine only having a few hours off each Sunday and that's all??? This chapter really fascinated me because of how familiar the rich became with some of their staff at the end of the day!
Style- I loved looking at all of the glamorous outfits and the fashion from the day. So many of the garments that the actors wear are original and delicate. Amazing attention to detail and the fabrics were scrumptious! The corsets though are one that I would not have been able to abide! I fear I would have been a rebel like Sybil and went for the trousers!
House & Estate- This chapter brought with it a greater appreciation for the pressure the Earl of Grantham was under in order to keep Downton Abbey a viable estate. There is quite a bit that goes into keeping up this grand palace and none of it is cheap or without many, many servants.
Romance- Well, isn't this what keeps many of us coming back for more? The romance, the subtle flirting, the endless parade of potential grooms??? I have to say that I'm so glad that I wasn't a rich, young, eligible woman during this time period. How much time the matriarch's of the family spent trying to make a "suitable" marriage for their daughters! How exasperating to be pushed upon old, feeble men just because they had title and wealth!
War- I learned so much! Honestly, I did and this chapter had me glued to the pages! Fascinating stuff that reads so much better at times than fiction!
Behind the Scenes- I loved getting a glimpse into all the various aspects of bringing one show to viewers like myself. It's mind boggling how much time goes into each production.
I will be ordering my own copy of this wonderful book! It's truly a work of art and there's so much to explore within the pages that one read simply doesn't do it justice! I have added several books and movies to my must-read/must-view list and I'm sure that perusing it again would only continue to further add to my collection. This is well-worth the money and will bring you hours of entertainment long after closing the final page.
List of movies/shows to watch:
Howard's End
Gosford Park
Upstairs, Downstairs
The Jewel in the Crown
Brideshead Revisited
Books to read:
Howard's End
House of Mirth (reread)
Three Weeks by Elinor Glyn
Favorite piece of information (p. 146 from the chapter of Style)
This is about the evening gown which was worn between five and seven o'clock, it gave rise to the french phrase 'cinq a sept.' This referred to the hours when lovers were received, the only time of day when a maid wouldn't need to be there to help you undress and therefore discover your secret.
Lady Colin Campbell's divorce hinged on the fact that her clothes had clearly been fastened by a man who didn't know what he was doing; when her lady's maid saw her for her next change, the fastenings were higgledy-piggledy.
Could you imagine getting caught in an affair because your maid squealed to the court that your dress was fastened all wrong???!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This made laugh big time!
Bookish Thoughts #23
© 2012, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved.
November 14, 2012
Season two of Downton Abbey has concluded and we are left in limbo until it returns next Fall in the UK and January 2013 in the US.
*deep sigh*
For those like myself who, have watched and re-watched every blessed minute, yet, just can’t get enough of the award winning ITV/PBS television mini-series Downton Abbey and are in total Downton withdrawal, may I suggests this stunning full-color coffee table-sized book about the series, THE WORLD OF DOWNTON ABBEY?
The publisher touts it as a “lavish look at the real world--both the secret history and the behind-the-scenes drama--of the spellbinding Emmy Award-winning Masterpiece TV series Downton Abbey.” This is no idle boast. From cover to cover this 303 page oversized-volume is packed with sumptuous full-color pictures of the production, the cast, historical connections and its shining star, Highclere Castle, the grand manor house in Hampshire where the series is filmed.
The author Jessica Fellowes is the niece of the series creator and writer Julian Fellowes. Not only does she have the inside scoop into the production of the series, she is also well qualified to write the text as a journalist and the former Deputy Editor of Country Life magazine. Equally important is the photographer Nick Briggs, who captures intimate and awe inspiring images of the production that send us back into memorable scenes or highlight costuming and scenery.
Organized into nine chapters: Family Life; Society; Change; Life in Service; Style; House & Estate; Romance; War; and Behind the Scenes, each chapter is written in context to the series characters and their roles and included pertinent quotes from the screenplay illustrating key scenes and events in the series”
‘I mean, one way or another, everyone goes down the aisle with half the story hidden.’ Violet, The Dowager Countess
There are also quotes from the actors and actresses about their characters:
‘There’s an independence about Mary – she’s not influenced by anyone and she’s very much her own person, she makes her own decisions. I understand her because I’m one of three girls too and I’ve always been defiant that I didn’t want to do what they did.’ Michelle Dockery
…and from the creator:
‘There’s an element of performance. They were all performing a role that had been decreed for them. For and aristocrat to be convincing, he must look like an aristocrat.’ Julian Fellowes
I particularly enjoyed the insights from the costume designer Susannah Buxton on her research influences for the clothing and the historical vignettes that linked the series to actual period personalities such as Daisy, Countess of Warwick, and Mary Leiter, an American buccaneer that inspired Julian Fellowes to create the character of Cora Levinson who married Robert, the future Earl of Grantham in 1889.
Overall, the most spectacular impression from this volume is its sheer bulk and beauty. Any Downtonite, Edwardian historian, or period drama lover could get lost in this volume for days. Creator Julian Fellowes rightfully opens the book with a brief forward, offering us insights and asides, yet, I felt quite cheated that Violet, The Dowager Countess of Grantham was not given the last word.
Laurel Ann, Austenprose
*deep sigh*
For those like myself who, have watched and re-watched every blessed minute, yet, just can’t get enough of the award winning ITV/PBS television mini-series Downton Abbey and are in total Downton withdrawal, may I suggests this stunning full-color coffee table-sized book about the series, THE WORLD OF DOWNTON ABBEY?
The publisher touts it as a “lavish look at the real world--both the secret history and the behind-the-scenes drama--of the spellbinding Emmy Award-winning Masterpiece TV series Downton Abbey.” This is no idle boast. From cover to cover this 303 page oversized-volume is packed with sumptuous full-color pictures of the production, the cast, historical connections and its shining star, Highclere Castle, the grand manor house in Hampshire where the series is filmed.
The author Jessica Fellowes is the niece of the series creator and writer Julian Fellowes. Not only does she have the inside scoop into the production of the series, she is also well qualified to write the text as a journalist and the former Deputy Editor of Country Life magazine. Equally important is the photographer Nick Briggs, who captures intimate and awe inspiring images of the production that send us back into memorable scenes or highlight costuming and scenery.
Organized into nine chapters: Family Life; Society; Change; Life in Service; Style; House & Estate; Romance; War; and Behind the Scenes, each chapter is written in context to the series characters and their roles and included pertinent quotes from the screenplay illustrating key scenes and events in the series”
‘I mean, one way or another, everyone goes down the aisle with half the story hidden.’ Violet, The Dowager Countess
There are also quotes from the actors and actresses about their characters:
‘There’s an independence about Mary – she’s not influenced by anyone and she’s very much her own person, she makes her own decisions. I understand her because I’m one of three girls too and I’ve always been defiant that I didn’t want to do what they did.’ Michelle Dockery
…and from the creator:
‘There’s an element of performance. They were all performing a role that had been decreed for them. For and aristocrat to be convincing, he must look like an aristocrat.’ Julian Fellowes
I particularly enjoyed the insights from the costume designer Susannah Buxton on her research influences for the clothing and the historical vignettes that linked the series to actual period personalities such as Daisy, Countess of Warwick, and Mary Leiter, an American buccaneer that inspired Julian Fellowes to create the character of Cora Levinson who married Robert, the future Earl of Grantham in 1889.
Overall, the most spectacular impression from this volume is its sheer bulk and beauty. Any Downtonite, Edwardian historian, or period drama lover could get lost in this volume for days. Creator Julian Fellowes rightfully opens the book with a brief forward, offering us insights and asides, yet, I felt quite cheated that Violet, The Dowager Countess of Grantham was not given the last word.
Laurel Ann, Austenprose
June 24, 2017
It goes without saying that The World of Downton Abbey is for fans of the ITV and PBS hit period-drama, Downton Abbey, now two series in and counting. The behind-the-drama companion gave historical background to the comings and goings of the characters, both upstairs and downstairs. I like to think that I have a working comprehension of this period in British history (mostly due to my infatuation with Titanic years ago), but one can always gain more knowledge.
Everything from family life to life in service was covered. I found the house & estate chapter especially interesting, because I like learning about how peers and Earls were ‘custodians’ of these castles, as well as about Highclere, the castle used for the fictitious Downton Abbey. With period pieces, I often wonder how much is accurate and how much is entertainment license, so it’s nice to find out that many of the details, events, and characters themselves on the show were derived from the past.
The glossy photos were a highlight, and someone put Photoshop to fabulous use for the lovely individual, full-page spreads for each chapter. “War” reminded me of the Band of Brothers promotional images. Very striking.
Considering that there will be no new episodes for those of us in the US until next year, I should have savored this. I was too engaged with it to dish it out slowly. But it makes a wonderful reference, and I will definitely look for it on Amazon.
Everything from family life to life in service was covered. I found the house & estate chapter especially interesting, because I like learning about how peers and Earls were ‘custodians’ of these castles, as well as about Highclere, the castle used for the fictitious Downton Abbey. With period pieces, I often wonder how much is accurate and how much is entertainment license, so it’s nice to find out that many of the details, events, and characters themselves on the show were derived from the past.
The glossy photos were a highlight, and someone put Photoshop to fabulous use for the lovely individual, full-page spreads for each chapter. “War” reminded me of the Band of Brothers promotional images. Very striking.
Considering that there will be no new episodes for those of us in the US until next year, I should have savored this. I was too engaged with it to dish it out slowly. But it makes a wonderful reference, and I will definitely look for it on Amazon.
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