The World of Downton Abbey by Jessica Fellowes

Downton Abbey is a British, Edwardian period drama, that airs first in Britain and then airs an edited version of the British series on PBS. The dvd set of the TV show offers Downton Abbey in all its un-edited, original, British glory. I watched the first series last fall on a whim in the midst of my Jane Austen/Elizabeth Gaskell film adaptation obsession and enjoyed the show. Earlier this year, the show's second series aired on PBS; however, I chose to wait for the dvd because, well, why watch the edited version when you can wait a week or two and watch it all, unedited, on dvd. I haven't yet watched the second series; in the meantime, I found this book, The World of Downton Abbey, in the online catalog, and I read it. It is really a must read for all fans, especially the obsessive and hardcore, of the show.

Admittedly the books starts off a little slow, but give it a few pages, and it'll pull you right in. The book offers a historical overview of the society, culture, fashions, family life, romance and current events of the period in which the TV show, by now an international phenomenon, is set. It also includes lots of photos as well as behind the scenes photos and details.

If you are a Downton Abbey fan, as I and Ms. Morgan are here at the library, you will want to read this book, and I recommend that you do so. You won't regret it. It is available in county.

--Reviewed by Ms. Angie

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