The Christmas season is over but there is still excitement in the air. Season 4 of Downton Abbey is getting ready to premiere in the USA. I have my teapot warmed up and ready for the big night.
To fill the time while I wait for the show to premiere, I've been feeding my history addiction with Edwardian and pre and post WWI books. Over the holidays, I read two Downton Abbey inspired books.
Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey: The Lost Legacy of Highlcere Castle by the Countess of Carvnarvon. It is a biography of Lady Almina, wife of the 5th Earl of Carnarvon of the tomb of Tutankhamen fame. She was the inspiration for the fictional Lady Cora and her story, as well as her nursing work during WWI, is interesting and well worth the read.
Mouseton Abbey. This was the second Downton Abbey inspired book that I read over the holidays. I received this as a present to read with my little one who sometimes watches Gosford Park or episodes of Downton Abbey with me on Netflix. It is a cute story with enough play on the names of cheese to keep readers of all ages amused.Below are two other books I recommend for anyone interested in the era of Downton Abbey.
The Perfect Summer: England 1911, Just Before the Storm by Juliet Nicolson
The book has nothing to do with Downton Abbey, but discusses the era of Season 1 when change was in the air but the Edwardian era was still in full swing. The books deals with all classes from the rich and titled to the working poor and how they lived before WWI and many other social changes altered it all.
The Last Great Edwardian Lady by Ingrid Seward is a great biography of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. Although it is an excellent look at her life as a whole, the Queen Mother's youth was during the era of Downton Abbey. The biography offers a fascinating look into the lives of the nobility and the royal family during the era.I hope you find a few new reads and have fun watching the season premiere! IF you want to find a new fiction read then check out my historical novels www.Georgie-Lee.com
17 comments:
I have not yet gotten into Downton Abbey. I saw the first few episodes, but was so busy wasn't able to see the rest of the season. I will have to pick it up again. I love the era. Thanks for sharing and linking up with Countdown in Style, Georgie Lee! Don't forget to come back on Friday to see if you were featured!
~~April~~
100lbCountdown.com
Just an hour and a half left!! I've got my tea and scones ready!! Thanks so much for partying with us and linking up.
I've never heard of these! You always teach me new things about history and books when I come to your blog. Perhaps it's worth it for me to look into Downtown Abbey! Thank you so much for sharing with us at Countdown in Style! Don't forget to stop by to see if you are featured! xo
I love Downton Abbey and thankfully I have a bestie across the pond who sent me all the episodes so I didn't have to wait. Don't worry I won't spoil it for everyone. I'm going to look into those books because they sound really good and should fulfill my Downton fix until the next season starts.
This is my favorite TV series EVER. I was pretty happy with episode 1 on Sunday. I just hope they don't kill off anyone important this year!
Love Downtown Abbey--and anything England related! I'm putting several of these books on my to-read list. I love the mouse version: so cute. Linking up with you via the Whatever Wednesday linky party!
Love Downtown Abbey--and anything England related! I'm putting several of these books on my to-read list. I love the mouse version: so cute. Linking up with you via the Whatever Wednesday linky party!
Sad to say I don't watch Downtown Abbey! I think I'm gonna start! hank you for sharing on Whatever Wednesday @ Thank You Honey.
I haven't seen Downton Abbey, but many of my friends rave about it. I'll have to check out these books. Thanks for sharing at Tales of a Pee Dee Mama.
There's a kid's book inspired by Downton Abbey?! Cool... I'm going to have to find a copy of it. I just found your blog through Booknificent Thursday blog hop.
I can't get into Downtown Abbey, but I'm glad you featured some books. Thanks for joining the Thumping Thursday bloghop.
Thanks for the recommendation. I have greatly enjoyed Downton Abbey, although I tend to watch it after the season is over as it is on too late for my current mommy schedule - I always fall asleep in the first 20 minutes! And that is just not good. I will have to check some of these books out in the mean time though. Thank you for sharing with the Cozy Reading Spot.
Marissa
My British born husband and I LOVE Downton Abbey! We PVR it and then have a marathon LOL. Thanks for dropping by Nicer Than New.
After all that reading you must be quite the Downton Abbey expert. lol at the mousington abbey.
Such an interesting list of books! I didn't realize that the Earl of Carvnarvan was related to Highclere Castle. The story of his wife living there sounds fascinating!
Thanks for linking this to British Isles Friday!
Joy's Book Blog
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