The Chronicles of Downton Abbey: A New Era [Hardcover]

Jessica Fellowes (Author), Matthew Sturgis (Author), Julian Fellowes (Foreword)

Book Description

Release date: November 13, 2012

The Great War has ended, but Downton Abbey is far from peaceful...

 

"Americans can't get enough of 'Downton Abbey,'" said The Boston Globe. As Season 3 of the award-winning TV series opens, it is 1920 and Downton Abbey is waking up to a world changed forever by World War I. New characters arrive and new intrigues thrive as the old social order is challenged by new expectations.

In this new era, different family members abound (including Cora's American mother, played by Shirley MacLaine) and changed dynamics need to be resolved: Which branch of the family tree will Lord Grantham’s first grandchild belong to? What will become of the servants, both old and new?

 

The Chronicles of Downton Abbey, carefully pieced together at the heart and hearth of the ancestral home of the Crawleys, takes us deeper into the story of every important member of the Downton estate.This lavish, entirely new book focuses on each character individually, examining their motivations, their actions, and the inspirations behind them. An evocative combination of story, history, and behind-the-scenes drama, it will bring fans even closer to the secret, beating heart of the house.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for The World of Downton Abbey: 'Fans of the brilliant period drama will love the exclusive photographs, and interviews with cast members in this appropriately lavish official 'making of' book.' Woman's Own 'Brings both historical context and illuminating detail to what has become the benchmark period drama of the age.' Daily Mail 'A fount of fascinating and social and historical facts...Well-researched, entertaining and handsomely illustrated.' Sunday Express --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

About the Author

JESSICA FELLOWES is the New York Times and Globe and Mail bestselling author of The World of Downton Abbey. Formerly the Deputy Editor of Country Life, she has also been a columnist for the London Paper. Jessica also writes for the Daily Telegraph, Telegraph Weekend, The Lady and Sunday Times Style, and lives with her family in London.

MATTHEW STURGIS is a writer and critic who has written for Harpers & Queen, The Sunday Telegraph, and The Independent on Sunday. He is the author of Passionate Attitudes: the English Decadence of the 1890s and the highly-praised Aubrey Beardsley. He lives in London.

JULIAN FELLOWES is the creator, writer, and executor producer of Downton Abbey, which won six Emmy Awards and the Golden Globe for best mini-series. Previously, he won the Academy Award for best original screenplay for Gosford Park, and wrote the bestselling novels Snobs and Past Imperfect. A member of the House of Lords, he lives with his wife and son in London and Dorset, England.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Press (November 13, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1250027624
• ISBN-13: 978-1250027627
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.8 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (152 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,712 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #13 in Books > Humor & Entertainment > Television > Shows
  • #77 in Books > History > Modern (16th-21st Centuries) > 20th Century

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

93 of 95 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Good companion to the series November 18, 2012

By Shirley S

Format:Hardcover

If you are a fan of the series, you need this book. Beautifully complements the show with photos from tHe production, as well as historical background info that helps round out the characters and grounds the show into the time period of the Jazz Age. One caveat: this does contain some spoilers, so if this is for a gift, make sure the recipient is at least familiar up through the second season. All in all though, this is a nice book and a must-have for fans.

43 of 47 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Maybe the best Downton book yet . November 27, 2012

By A. Burchfield

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I bought the series companion book "The World of Downton Abbey" and loved it so when I learned that this book was coming as a follow up/advanced look at season 3 I knew I "had to" get it too.
This book has the same sort of beautiful photography and level of detail as its predecessor but seems to be divided into character sections complete with series related details and historical detail/background information.

If you're a fan of the series there will perhaps be a little spoiler detail but few will mind that because this book is such a fantastic series companion. Those with no series interest but interested in historical details or just in quality photography should also take a look. The book is well worth owning.

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The Chronicles of Downton Abbey: A New Era December 6, 2012

By Sandra Hasson

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

An ABSOLUTE MUST HAVE for all Downton Abbey Fans. This would make an excellent Christmas present! Quick! Before they are all gone. This is an amazingly detailed book. Not only is it beautifully presented .... think coffee table book..... the contents are just fantastic. There is narrative, there is "scrapbooking" with pictures of things of the era, there is character analysis, it is just a great great book. Do they have Emmy's for books????? I give this TEN stars!