Books for Downton Abbey Fans
Downton Abbey, a British television show, has won critical acclaim and many fans. The series is set in the Yorkshire country house of the Earl and Countess of Grantham and follows the lives of the Crawley family and their servants during the early part of the 20th century.
Do you find yourself longing for an aristocratic life in a country house complete with maids, butlers and cooks? What is it really like inside those country houses? These books may provide some insight.
The Big House: the Story of a Country House and its Family by Christopher Simon Sykes
Using family papers, Sykes traces the history of Sledmere, a country house in Yorkshire that has been in the Sykes family since the 18th century.
A Charmed Life: Growing Up in Macbeth's Castle by Liza Campbell
When her father became the twenty-fifth Thane of Cawdor, Liza Campbell and her siblings moved into a castle but their lives were complicated by their father's excesses.
Country Life: 100 Favourite Homes by Candida Lycett Green
Lycett Green profiles 100 country homes in the British Isles including examples from various architectural styles and anecdotes about their owners.
Inheritance: the Story of Knole and the Sackvilles by Robert Sackville-West
Knole House was built in the 15th century and since 1604 has been inhabited by thirteen generations of the Sackville family. In this book, the history of the house and the family are explored by the current Baron Sackville.
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If you prefer immersing yourself in the Downton Abbey world, the library does have the first two seasons of the television show on DVD, and a companion book The World of Downton Abbey.
5 thoughts on “Books for Downton Abbey Fans”
Great selection of books — thanks for posting!
Julian Fellowes is the creator and writer for this riveting series. He of Gosford Park has also written several novels which I keep meaning to read: Snobs, Past Imperfect.
Would love to see a follow-up post on fiction recommendations for Downton Abbey fans!
Hi, Sandra
A fiction list is on the way! I’m hoping to have it posted next week.
Four additional books at TPL for your consideration
Lady Almina and the real Downton Abbey : the lost legacy of Highclere Castle
Carnarvon, Fiona, Countess of.
[who was the wife of the Earl of Carnarvon who sponsored Howard Carter’s discovery of the tomb of Pharoah Tutankhamen.]
The unofficial Downton Abbey cookbook : from Lady Mary’s crab canapés to Mrs. Patmore’s Christmas pudding : more than 150 recipes from upstairs and downstairs
Baines, Emily Ansara.
Below Stairs and Climbing the Stairs. Two books by Margaret Powell
I confess I’m still keen on Titanic lore, and think this one is a must for what people ate on ocean liners.
Last dinner on the Titanic [1st ed.].
by Archbold, Rick, 1950-
Contributors: McCauley, Dana.
Year/Format: 1997, Book, 144 p. :