The World of Downton Abbey

By: Jessica Fellowes, Julian Fellowes - introduction

Narrated by: Elizabeth McGovern

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 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.

Critic reviews

“This extraordinary upstairs-downstairs drama, written by Oscar-winning 'Gosford Park' screenwriter Julian Fellowes, is a dramatic, intelligent, soapy, comic, and wise piece of work.” —The Boston Globe on Downton Abbey

“There is no mystery about the potency of this series, slathered in wit, powered by storytelling of a high order.” —The Wall Street Journal on Downton Abbey

“Possibly the best show of the year...'Downton Abbey' is all that 'Upstairs, Downstairs' was, and more.” —The Los Angeles Times on Downton Abbey

Unknown history of the times

Great narration and good story if you sre familiar with the tv series. I have watched Downton over and over and read the backvstory of Hiclere.

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.

Perfect companion for a solid fan.

Helpful historical referencing, short but fun. If you are a die hard fan, this is a fun piece

The World of Downton Abbey

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend it from the historical point of view. I thought it was going to be more about the story. The descriptions were interesting.

Downton

goes great with the series and the movie
A good book for all Downton Abbey fans