Synopses & Reviews
UPSTAIRS, an Edwardian home would have been a picture of elegance and calm, adorned with social gatherings and extravagantly envisioned dinner parties.
DOWNSTAIRS, it was a hive of domestic activity, supported by a body of staff painstakingly devoted to ensuring the smooth running of the household.
Brimming with family secrets, society scandal, and of course elaborate parties, dresses, and social customs, the world of an aristocratic Edwardian household as depicted on the hit show Downton Abbey has captivated millions. But what was life really like for the people who kept such a household running: the servants? In Life Below Stairs, international bestselling author Alison Maloney takes readers behind the scenes to reveal a lively and colorful picture of what went on "downstairs," describing servants daily life in this now-vanished world.
Detailing everything from household structure, pay and conditions, special duties, and rules and regulations, to perks, entertainment, and even romance, Maloney examines the drudgery and hardships below stairs, as well as the rewards and pleasures. Thoroughly researched and reliably informed, this charmingly illustrated volume also contains first-hand stories from the staff of the time, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the lifestyle and conduct of a bygone era.
Review
"Fascinating." — Daily Mail (UK)
"A fascinating slice of British History." — Readers Digest
"A fascinating new book." — Daily Express (UK)
"A captivating snapshot of a different world and time." — Sainsburys Magazine (UK)
"All you need to know about life below stairs." — The Countryman (UK)
Synopsis
A fascinating and detailed guidebook to what work was
really like "downstairs" during the period of
Downton Abbey (hint: it was hard)
In 2011, television audiences were captivated by the the surprise hit show Downton Abbey—which went on to win six primetime Emmy Awards and catapult its way into the Guinness Book of World Records for "most critically acclaimed show of the year."
Entranced by the family secrets, the society scandal, and the master-servant divide of an aristocratic Edwardian household, Downton fans eagerly await the show's opening violins to immerse themselves in this rarefied and now-vanished world. In Life Below Stairs, international bestselling author Alison Maloney takes readers behind the scenes to reveal a detailed picture of what went on "downstairs," describing what daily life was really like during this now thoroughly romanticized era. Thoroughly researched and reliably informed, this charmingly illustrated volume also contains first-hand stories from the staff of the time, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the lifestyle and conduct of a bygone era.
About the Author
ALISON MALONEY is a journalist and author, whose books include the international bestseller The Mum's Book. As well as a long stint on The Sunday Post newspaper, she worked as a children's book editor for two years. Alison lives in Kent, UK, with her husband and two children.