Behind the Scenes at Downton Abbey: The Official Backstage Pass to the Set, the Actors and the Drama

by Emma Rowley, Gareth Neame (Foreword)

Gain unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to Downton Abbey in this official Season 4 tie-in book, complete with never-before-seen photos giving fans insight into the making of the runaway hit--a perfect gift for fans of the Emmy Award-winning series and feature film.

Expertly crafted with generous inside knowledge and facts, Emma Rowley's Behind the Scenes at Downton Abbey delves into the inspiration behind the details seen on screen, the choice of locations, the music and much more. Step inside the props cupboard or the hair and make-up truck and catch a glimpse of the secret backstage world.

In-depth interviews and exclusive photos give insight into the actors' experiences on set as well as the celebrated creative team behind the award-winning drama. Straight from the director's chair, this is the inside track on all aspects of the making of the show.

Featuring a Foreword by Gareth Neame, executive producer of Downton Abbey

Genres: Nonfiction, Downton Abbey, History, British Literature, Adult, Tv, Historical

288 pages, Hardcover

First published September 12, 2013

About the author

I'm @EmmaRowleyAuthor on Facebook and @EmmaCharlotteRowley on Instagram

Reviews

[Jess | FairyTale Pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this! You will too if you're a fan of the show!

[♏ Gina☽ · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a complete Downton Abbey fanatic, I loved this behind-the-scenes peek at what it took to bring the t.v. series to life.

Every character in this amazing series is included in this book, which is filled with photos and anecdotes provided by the actors and actresses.

The details of every aspect of life in Downton Abbey were well researched and, as all of us fans know, historically accurate to the period of time in which Downton Abbey was placed.

I especially enjoyed the chapters regarding the fashions, and what it took to recreate the period kitchen and staff rooms.

[Gerhard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic. One of the best 'behind the scenes' glimpses yet at the herculean historical recreation, and reinvention, involved in this benchmark show, combined with the painstaking logistics of filming on location at Highclere and at Ealing Studios. Pity the poor sound guy whose nemesis is the gravel driveway at the estate.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a goodreads first reads winner of this fantastic book. I am a big fan of Downton Abbey so I was thrilled that i got the chance to read this book.it is very well done. with lots of generous pictures to go with "Behind the Scenes at Downton Abbey. It was fun to read the information about the filming of this wonderful show. It gives information. on the cast, the outfits they wear, the hairstyles, the Castle where the Downton abbey family lives. the other buildings the props used etc.. I loved reading about all that it takes to put this show together. there is so much more. If you are a fan of Downton Abbey you will not be disappointed in this very well done book.If someone if interested in History, this is very interesting to read. since Downton abbey starts in 1912 and is in the early 1920s now. I like shows that are also historical.
There is a lot of information about the filming and all that comes together to bring this show to life. the pictures in here are fantastic.this book is what i call a "keeper" I will always have space for this one on my bookshelf.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun book if you are a fan of Downton Abbey. Having recently rewatched the entire series along with the 2019 movie in preparation for going to the new movie, this book gave a lot of interesting background. It only goes through season 4 and concentrate a mostly on season 4. The best part for me were the photos of the fashions and all that went into making or procuring them, along with the hair and makeup chapters. It’s a quick read, with lots of pictures. Absolutely worth the $2 I spent at a used book sale!

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely put this on your list if you are a fan of the hugely popular British TV series Downton Abbey. Combined with these two other companion books, The World of Downton Abbey, The Chronicles of Downton Abbey: A New Era Behind the Scenes at Downton Abbey should satisfy your curiosity and keep you to date on the progression of the story line. Unlike the other two this one has a forward from Executive Producer Gareth Neame though of course, Julian and Jessica Fellows gets their due. I truly can't pick my favorite so read or browse all three.

As we in the states wait with anticipation for the premiere of Season 4 in January 2014, these informative pages filled with lots of pictures should help our impatience for the show to begin.

[Charlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a Goodread winner of this excellent Coffee Table Book. Want to know about the Downton Abbey Behind the Scenes and the up and coming 2014 episodes? - then this is the book you need.

I gave this book to my Grandaughter for Christmas and she started reading it just as the last of the Christmas wrapping was torn off. Thankgoodness I got this book a few days before Christmas day. AND yes I did indeed did a quick read and wrapped it on Christmas Eve.
The book has many, MANY pictures of the before and after scenes. Makes it interesting to see what really happens on the set AND where the scenes took place.

Yes, this should be on your Coffee Table.

[Liawèn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I stumbled upon this book by chance and had to get it. I just love Downton Abbey and this book is the perfect guide for anyone wanting to learn about the behind the scenes.
Sure, it's only up until season 4 but that doesn't matter too much as the costumes, sees and props remain the same for the last two seasons.

It was great to read how much effort went into bringing the Crawley family to live. You see it on TV but can only imagine how much work it must've been for the entire crew.

I'm probably going to rewatch Downton Abbey. Haven't done that in a while^^

[Tasha Z · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won an advanced copy of this book via the Goodreads giveaway

It was a very nice quick read, especially for a coffee table book.

I am and avid fan of Downton and thoroughly enjoyed the behind the scene look at the show and upcoming changes and/or additions for series 4. The book did have any spoilers instead it acted as a look into how they script, film, create and pull off the show.

Being a television production major in college I found this behind the scenes look very intriguing. Pulling off a period drama is not an easy feet and the filming of Downton is even more difficult then I would of guessed.

Overall it’s a great book for people who love Downton, film/television production and historical dramas. As an added bonus it looks great on your coffee table. Guests are sure to pick it up and thumb through it, sparking conversation (or at least it has in my home)!

[Dagmar Garciová · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zákulisí Panství Downton nám poodkrylo náročnost natáčení takovéhoto historického dramatu. Pro mě byla tato kniha poučná a rozhodně zajímavá. Nad mnoha věcmi jsem se udivovala a obdivovala veškeré úsilí všech, kteří se podíleli na vzniku populárního britského seriálu. Kniha na mnoha místech zabíhá do detailů, to mi ale vůbec nevadilo, ba přímo naopak. Odkrývá nám hodně z historie tehdejší doby, což beru jako obrovské plus. Pro skalní fanoušky je nutností knihu mít. Díky knize jsem měla tu možnost vrátit se zpět na Downton a jeho rozsáhlé pozemky, obléci si spolu s rodinou noblesní šaty, usednout k famózní večeři, kterou připravilo služebnictvo pod schodištěm. Prostě a jednoduše, kdykoli se budu chtít cítit jako princezna, vezmu do ruky tuto knihu.

http://recenzarium.webnode.cz/l/zakul...

[Sheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable, albeit quick, read about the making of Downton Abbey. At first blush, I thought it was a collection of photos, mostly, but there are sections of interesting text. I learned a ton about the hard work of making terrific television, which makes me appreciate it all the more. While this book is a companion piece to series four (and therefore, likely a PR effort), it does seem that all the people involved truly love what they do, and those with whom they work, which is wonderful to read. The pictures, which make up a bunch of the book, are sumptuous and interesting as well. I am excited for series four to start in a couple of days, and the rest of my family is anxious for me to hand over this book!

[Therese · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great book for every Downton Abbey fan like myself. There was a lot of really interesting behind the scenes information, and I highly enjoyed learning more about the show. (And now I want series 5 even more badly!)

One thing I will say, tho. It's not really about the book, but I still want to mention. Reading this, it makes it painfully obvious that a lot of the people behind the show are rich, posh englishmen who would be living "upstairs" if they lived in Downton Abbey. It doesn't make the book less interesting or anything, it's just an observation that I couldn't help but make.

[Marissa Hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was lovely! The writing is wonderful, informative, and beautifully written. There are plenty of stunning photos, and glimpses behind the scenes, but the book doesn't depend on the images to make it worth while.

Emma Rowley, the author, has interviewed and talked with so many of the people involved with the production of Downton Abbey that she truly breathes life into these images.

I highly recommend this book to lovers of Downton Abbey. It's much more than a "pretty book with pictures" and I was sent to my happy place every time I perused through its pages.

[Sacramento Public Library]

As a Downton Abbey fan eagerly awaiting the new season I thought this would be a fun book to read. Divided into sections detailing every aspect of the show’s production it reveals just how much effort goes into keeping the look and content as historically accurate as possible. With gorgeous photographs throughout and plenty of fascinating details about the sets, wardrobe, scripts, hairstyles, makeup and props this book is a must read for any Downton Abbey fan. - Susie

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a big fan of the show Downton Abbey and this is a very interesting read for any fan of the show. There are a lot of details on how they film the show at Highclere Castle and other details about costumes and many other aspects into the show. This is a nice companion to the show with many pictures throughout the book.

[Rachel Boothby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly, I skimmed much of this book, especially at the beginning. I really do enjoy reading about behind the scenes of my favorite shows and movies, but this got to be a little too detailed, especially about the production and history. Things picked up when the discussed the actors, wardrobe, hair, etc.

[Mary Ronan Drew · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book with interesting anecdotes about the making of the TV series Downton Abbey, including some photos I had not seen before. It was sufficiently interesting to keep me reading but with all the material they must have to work with I think it could have been much better.

[Paul Juniper · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of interesting and revealing photos. Book is worth it for the photos which is just as well as the text is very disappointing. I didn't learn very much from it and I don't feel that the quotes from the actors were very revealing.

[Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good behind the scenes book although I don't think I learned much I didn't already know. Lots of nice photos are included. Fans of the series will enjoy it.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned a surprising amount about filming television from this book. And you can't beat the still photos of the costumes/hair/set design either...

[Lauren Stoolfire · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are a fan of Downton Abbey you definitely need to try this fantastic look into the making of the series (through series 4).

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a fan of Downton Abbey, and totally forgot I had this on my shelf until I was re-watching the series this month (in anticipation of the 2nd upcoming theatrical movie release in May 2022).

There are plenty of wonderful photos of the sets, props, costumes, cast, food, cars, and more. I particularly enjoyed the interesting facts about things like how/where they sourced the historical cars and props, how they created the food multiple times for different takes (both upstairs and downstairs having to be identical, despite being filmed in separate times/locations), how their historical advisor ensured details were correct, how the cloth and cut of the costumes was determined, how an artist created all of the hand-written letters the actors read, and more.

The only reason I'm not giving this 5 stars is because I wanted a little bit more of the true "behind-the-scenes" tidbits, like "a-ha" moments that make you really feel like reading this book gave you insight that can't be found elsewhere. Nonetheless, this is still a must-read for any fans of the show.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Of course, I was already a big fan of the series so when I saw this at my library I knew I had to check it out.

I found it really informative, I learned an lot about the series and about the time period. I also learned what all goes into making such a detailed period drama. And boy was it detailed! There were sections on filming locations, costumes, makeup, etc. There was input from a number of people involved with the production, giving you a glimpse into every aspect of making the show. Since it’s well categorized, you could choose just to read about certain facets if you’d like, but after reading one section, I bet you’ll want to read them all!

I think if I was giving one criticism, it’s that I’d like to have seen even more behind the scenes pictures. There were quite a few pictures that were essentially screen grabs from the show. Stunning, but for a behind the scenes book, I expected more pictures of the film making process. It’s not enough to take away my fifth star though!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, this book was such FUN!

I've watched and enjoyed the entire "Downton Abbey" television series, as well as the full length movie that came later. I found this book at the local library, along with several others that focus on the show. I enjoyed it so much.

The book takes you behind the scenes, just as it says it does. While it does include some historical background, it's easy reading and doesn't bog you down with too many details. It gives a light overview of things, while including a great selection of color photos of scenes being filmed, props, and the actors enjoying some down time.

It was so good it made me want to start watching the series over again. First I have to make my way through "Outlander", though!

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

My sister-in-law found this at Goodwill a few years ago and remembered that I like the show, so she got it for me. Honestly I didn't expect much, but it was a pleasant surprise! There's more text than I expected, and I learned some interesting things about the making of one of my favorite shows. (It doesn't cover the last couple of seasons, of course.) The photos are completely stunning. Of course you notice the beautiful dresses and such in the show, but there's something about gorgeous still photos that let you appreciate them more. There were also a couple that were almost jarring, like the one with all of the trailers lined up in front of Highclere or the shabby exterior of the outside of the set for Mary's bedroom.

[willow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book is like peeking behind the curtain of a magician’s show, but rather than that detracting from the magic on screen, it amplifies it! Undeniably Downton Abbey is one of the finest tv shows ever created! And this book proves it by showcasing the meticulous planning, painstaking work and unmatched dedication of the vast team that made it happen! It was a real treat to delve into the minds of the phenomenal people who brought their vision to life! The book provides plenty of insight on the thought process behind crafting such a spellbinding story made with surgical attention to detail. It also proved to be as educational as it is entertaining.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

In preparation for the Downton Abbey film that is going to be released in September I decided to read “Behind the Scenes at Downton Abbey” which has been on my bookshelf for a few years now. Written to promote the 4th season of the series, much of the focus is on the third series and earlier. So, there are clearly plot and character developments that go far beyond what this book covers. But I liked the approach that offered an in-depth look at things like costume, hair, makeup, and locations. The pictures are beautiful. Overall the book made me very excited about the movie release!

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading about everything behind the scenes! I love watching Downton Abbey because of all the details- the props, costumes, hair, sets, sly comments and everything else, and this book gave some interesting information about it all. I especially enjoyed the parts about the props and costumes as well as the little comments about and from the cast! It was really interesting to me to learn about the historical accuracy of the show. Would recommend for any fan of Downton Abbey who would like to learn a little bit more about how the show was made!

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great photos of the characters waiting for filming in their costumes. The book is broken up into chapters about the various actors and characters.

It was nice to read about how the makeup is done, how the clothing and furnishings were acquired and cared for, and the wigs, shoes, etc.

It seemed amazing at the details that had to be taken, even with the food on the table and the amount of liquid in the glasses on the table.

Makes me appreciate how much work went into making DA the wonderful show it still is.

[Kristin Eoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this was actually the second time I read this book, but I enjoyed it just as much as I did the first time, maybe even more so because I have more perspective about the show now. This lovely book is full of beautiful photographs and interesting text about the behind-the-scenes work that went into producing this show. By now, the show has concluded its run, but we have been treated to a major motion picture, with plans for a sequel! I love Downton Abbey and will be excited to watch the second film when it comes out, supposedly in March 2022!