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The World of Downton Abbey  By  cover art

The World of Downton Abbey

By: Jessica Fellows
Narrated by: Elizabeth McGovern
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Publisher's summary

A perfect gift for Downton Abbey fans, 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 that's now a feature film.

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 1,000 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 two of the TV presentation, this audiobook takes us even deeper into that world, with fresh insights into the story and characters as well as the social history.

©2011 Jessica Fellowes (P)2012 Macmillan Audio

What listeners say about The World of Downton Abbey

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Fun look at the backstory to Downton Abbey

Elizabeth McGovern does a superb job of narrating this well written book. It was wonderful to learn about the backstory of the TV series and the lives of the characters that we know and love.

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11 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

The history to go along with the show

This is more about the history of the period and a little less about show. Yet, if you are history buff and interested in the background character that is the time period this may be worth a listen. Yes, it is slow and can be at times dull, but it is also informative.

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10 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent backdrop for the television series.

What made the experience of listening to The World of Downton Abbey the most enjoyable?

Having watched two seasons of the series, it was interesting to get more background information.

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7 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Entertainment at it's best

I am eagerly awaiting to find all of this series on audio books! What a lesson in history we have here. One of my favorite story lines is how caring all the family and staff are to each other.

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7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Midly interesting. Eliz McGovern better actress

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Having someone British narrate this would have made it better.

Would you recommend The World of Downton Abbey to your friends? Why or why not?

Not, I think.

How could the performance have been better?

As I said, she is a better actress than narrator. She sounds boring.

Do you think The World of Downton Abbey needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

As the series progresses, one would probably be interesting.

Any additional comments?

Maggie Smith would have made an interesting narrator

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6 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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A PEAK AT AN ENTIRELY DIFFERENT WORLDVIEW

Would you listen to The World of Downton Abbey again? Why?

I have listened to this book twice - because the first time through I was "distracted" by my teenager. It was worth it; picked up on some things I am glad I did not miss. I had just completed a marathon "catchup" viewing of Downton Abbey - not really a television person - and wanted to know more about their world. This book gave some great insight upon a worldview that is very far removed from us today - at least the Western World. And that does not mean because they were so rich (although it was fun to calculate their net worth back then - amazing! and with no taxes!). For women and minority cultures especially, it lets me know that progress is slow but progress is being made to open up opportunities and new horizons. But this book also exposed many of the things we have forever lost and will never retrieve. Take time to listen this one - not a "long read."

Have you listened to any of Elizabeth McGovern’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This was my first performance by Ms. McGovern - I thought it was very good and look forward to hearing some of her other readings. She is really an excellent actress.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I listened to it in one sitting and it was worth it.

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5 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Can never get enough of Downton Abbey

What made the experience of listening to The World of Downton Abbey the most enjoyable?

Narration by Elizabeth McGovern who plays Cora.

What did you like best about this story?

Learning more about the life and times of the early 20th century.

What about Elizabeth McGovern’s performance did you like?

Simply that one has gotten to know her voice through her on-screen performance.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Not really - just enjoyed getting my Downton Abbey addiction fix.

Any additional comments?

A nice addition to the world of Downton Abbey while awaiting Season 3. The only thing I didn’t like was learning that the entire program is not filmed in the manor - takes away some of the show’s authenticity.

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5 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Enter the world of Downton Abbey once again

I loved this Audiobook. Having it narrated by one of the cast members just makes it all the more real. The behind the scenes detail, as well as historical tidbits takes the listener back in time. Close your eyes as she speaks and you can almost "See in your mind" the setting and events she describes. I enjoyed the Narrator her voice was crisp, clear and enjoyable to listen to. If you purchase this audiobook, you will not regret it for one moment. Pour yourself a cup of tea, settle into a comfortable chair and enjoy the journey!

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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A little dull

I am a die hard fan of Downton Abbey but this book just didn't add anything exciting for me. The history behind the times was good though.

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2 people found this helpful

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  • D
  • 09-10-21

You’re going to like it.

So good I’m going to listen to it again immediately. I’ll be rewatching the series with much of the information presented here in mind.

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1 person found this helpful