Review: The Chronicles of Downton Abbey: A New Era

The Chronicles of Downton Abbey: A New Era

by Jessica Fellowes and Matthew Sturgis

In this beautiful book, we are introduced to the third series of the hit period drama, Downton Abbey. After enduring WWI, the Crawley family now find themselves entering the 1920s. Lady Mary and Matthew are engaged to be married, Lady Sybil is now married to the former chauffer Tom Branson and the two are expecting, while Lady Edith is still looking for her place in life. Lord Grantham has gotten the family into some financial troubles while Lady Grantham stands loyally beside him. Below stairs things are stirring as Mr. Bates is wrongfully in jail and new servants come to work at Downton. The book gives you a background of each prominent character on the show, complete with pictures of each as well as everyday items used during the time. Peppered throughout are historical facts and quotes from real duchesses, countesses, earls, dukes, butlers, and cooks from the time. For fans of the wildly popular PBS program, this book offers a detailed and interesting look into the show’s arrival into a new era.

I loved this book. I only recently read it when I found it at our library, but I still loved it. I love any excuse to watch or read about Downton Abbey and this book was so enjoyable. The pictures are beautiful. I thought it was neat how they featured pictures of the different household items, such as hair brushes, cans of toothpaste, cold cream tins, kitchen tools, etc... from the early ‘20s. I also like that they mentioned things that weren’t Downton specific; they also talked about other aristocratic families during this time, and in other periods. Even though the show has gone through three more seasons and has been cancelled since this book was published, I still enjoyed it. Just to read about the drama, inspirations behind some of the characters, and facts about the early 1920s, was so interesting.

All in all, this was a great book that any fan of Downton Abbey will love.

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.