A Butler's Life: Scenes from the Other Side of the Silver Salver [Hardcover]

Christopher Allen (Author), Kimberly Allen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1996

Part memoir, part how-to, A Butler's Life -- the account of Christopher Allens real-life duties Behind The Silver Salver-- offers a contemporary peek into this fascinating, yet demanding profession.Those for whom the mental picture of a British butler is the impeccable Jeeves or Remains of the Days prim Mr. Stevens will find Christopher Allen a surprise and a delight. The engaging Englishman, while no less a paragon of service than his literary peers, is charmingly human in his ongoing endeavor to master a profession whose most perfect representative is invisible. And, for those whose homes might not be staffed with live-in servants but who would enjoy benefiting from their expertise, nearly two dozen sidebars reveal tips of the trade--everything from hints for seamless entertaining to advice on household management.Far from a relic of a past era, Christopher Allen demonstrates that being a butler -- in villas on the Cote dAzur and in California, on luxury yachts in England and estates in the Hamptons -- is still a very viable, rewarding way to make a living in the twenty-first century.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Christopher Allen, the subject of A Butlers Life, has worked in private service for over twenty years. Born in England and trained formally, his career allowed him to live and work in various parts of Europe before relocating to the U.S. in 1985. He now trains and consults on issues of household management.A Butlers Life is Kimberly Burton Allens second published book, following the 1996 publication of Wedding Wonders: Tales & Traditions, Customs & Curiosities. She and Christopher live on Long Island, where she is currently at work on her second novel. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 222 pages
• Publisher: Frederic C Beil; 1st edition (September 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 091372095X
• ISBN-13: 978-0913720950
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,831,369 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Surprising and fun, March 22, 2000

By 

Kelly Boyer Sagert "Kelly" (Lorain, Ohio) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Butler's Life: Scenes from the Other Side of the Silver Salver (Hardcover)

"The walls were paneled in exquisite African zebra wood, and the powder blue wall-to-wall carpet under my feet was easily two inches thick . . . on one wall, a built-in marble-topped sideboard and glass cupboard spotlighted Waterford crystal, each glass in its own custom-cut hole, and luminous pearl-white china (was) monogrammed in gold . . ."

"I could see a number of sweeping border gardens, each containing perennials and climbing roses in softer hues of salmon, shell pink and lilac . . . Climbing tendrils of amethyst bougainville nearly obscured the trunks of the large palm trees that dotted the lawn, their fronds making a papery swishing sound as the light breeze played through them . . . culminating in a grand circular portico, set off by a large fountain . . ."

"Stone balustrades surrounded the pristine white gravel paths that led through such delights as a rose garden, a formal French garden with topiary hedges and symmetrical ornamental trees, a flagstone-bordered koi pond replete with lily pads and burbling fountain and a sun garden set off by a large bronze sun sculpture."

While many of us would describe these idyllic surroundings as our dream vacation destination, Christopher Allen has called each of them his place of employment -- and these are only some of the intriguing locations that have benefited (so far!) from Chris's tenure as butler during his adventurous life.

A BUTLER'S LIFE contains humorous and entertaining reminiscences, and the author (who just happens to be his wife!) skillfully incorporates elegant recipes, practical entertaining tips and housekeeping suggestions throughout the book, in a series of sidebars. Topics range from how to prepare a gueridon dinner for four to a glossery of European restaurant personnel, from resuscitating a souffle (or how to make something wonderful out of a disaster) to a valet's tips to impeccable clothing.

The book would make a great gift for anyone, from the domestically challenged to those who are already ready to create exotic dishes while wearing elegant clothing. The book is delightfully fun, quirky and offbeat -- and, it's a terrific read, besides!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Butler's Life, November 14, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: A Butler's Life: Scenes from the Other Side of the Silver Salver (Paperback)

If you are in the industry of servicing the wealthy in private homes and estates, you will relate to this book and read it front to back with many giggles. If you are thinking of entering the industry of private home/estate employment, it is a must to forsee what really happens behind the scenes. Written by one of the best in the industry! I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the book and am a veteran agent to those who service private homes. A must for anyone in the industry!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Page Turning work of wonder, December 25, 1999

By 

D. E. Schnell (Lehighton, Pa USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Butler's Life: Scenes from the Other Side of the Silver Salver (Hardcover)

Mr. and Mrs. Allen have assembled a finely crafted look into the life of a Butler. This page turning read allows the rich and non-rich a glimpse of life in this mysterious profession that has facinated so many into reading works by P.G Wodehouse, and sent to the movies to see Remains of the Day and Trading Places.

Mr. Allens account into the steps and stages also shows the rewards as well as the hardships associated with the profession.

Except for the small stint about his catering endevour I have found the book everything I had expected. If you are considering a life in the domestic profession or just fond of Jeeves then this book is for you.