A few weeks ago the Sellwood Branch Library in Portland, Oregon set up a section of books & dvds called, “If You Love Downton Abbey.” The items flew off the shelf (no surprise there) and were gone before they knew it. To help us all get our 'Downton Abbey' fix while we wait for season three, here's some of what the Sellwood Branch recommended:
• “Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey: the Lost Legacy of Highclere Castle”, Fiona Countess of Carnarvon• “Downton Abbey”, Seasons 1 and 2 (DVD)• “The World of Downton Abbey”, Jessica Fellowes• “Below Stairs: the classic kitchen maid’s memoir that inspired ‘Upstairs, downstairs’ and ‘Downton Abbey’”, Margaret Powell• “Downton Abbey: Original Music from the Television Series” (music CD)• “Upstairs, Downstairs” (DVD)• “The Children’s Book”, A.S. Byatt. This novel focuses on several aristocratic and artistic families from 1895 to 1914. Shortlisted in 2009 for the Man Booker prize, it touches on social issues, the Arts and Crafts movement, and the politics of the era.• “Rose: My Life in Service to Lady Astor”, Rosina Harrison. This spirited account of one young Yorkshire woman’s 35 years as a maid to the famous Lady Nancy Astor was first published in 1975, and has been reprinted to capitalize on the “Downton” craze.• “The Shooting Party”, Isabel Cole. A weekend house party in 1913 exposes a decaying social and moral code and a way of life under siege.• “Berkeley Square” (DVD). Set in 1902 London, the stories of three nannies and the families who employ them. The annotation written by staff of the New York Public Library adds, “Very soapy and gossipy. It’s a shame the Brits aired only one season of the show.”
See the complete list here.
I wish my library would do a Downton Abbey section! How cool! We have links to this swag in our side bar :)
My congratulations to you on your energy and industry in keeping this site active with interesting articles and links. I like being able to go to one place for my "fix." Previously, you had something about a death on the upcoming Series 3, and I nominate Maggie Smith. I seem to remember reading something somewhere about her lack of interest in more filming, but I may be wrong. I don't know who would take her place for acerbic comments, however. Maybe Rosamund could be a more frequent visitor to Downton.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jeanne! I'm glad you enjoy the site. That's why we started it, to get our Downton fix all in one place.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right about Maggie Smith/The Dowager Countess. She really could be the character we lose in season 3, especially with comments the Masterpiece producer made about her & there's been so many rumors of her contract being up. Here's the link to the post you are referring to: "Series Three Spoilers" http://www.downtonabbeyaddicts.com/2012/04/spoiler-what-downton-abbey-fans-can.html
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