Life Below Stairs (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781250017659)

UPSTAIRS, an Edwardian home would have been a picture of elegance and calm, adorned with social gatherings and extravagantly envisioned dinner parties.

DOWNSTAIRS, it was a hive of domestic activity, supported by a body of staff painstakingly devoted to ensuring the smooth running of the household.

Brimming with family secrets, society scandal, and of course elaborate parties, dresses, and social customs, the world of an aristocratic Edwardian household as depicted on the hit show Downton Abbey has captivated millions. But what was life really like for the people who kept such a household running: the servants? In Life Below Stairs, international bestselling author Alison Maloney takes readers behind the scenes to reveal a lively and colorful picture of what went on downstairs, describing servants' daily life in this now-vanished world.

Detailing everything from household structure, pay and conditions, special duties, and rules and regulations, to perks, entertainment, and even romance, Maloney examines the drudgery and hardships below stairs, as well as the rewards and pleasures. Thoroughly researched and reliably informed, this charmingly illustrated volume also contains first-hand stories from the staff of the time, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the lifestyle and conduct of a bygone era.

Author: Alison Maloney
ISBN-10: 1250017653
ISBN-13: 9781250017659
Publisher: St. Martins Press-3PL
Language: English
Published: 12/24/2012
Pages: 194
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 0.85lbs
Size: 8.60h x 5.80w x 1.00d

Review Citation(s):
Library Journal Prepub Alert 08/01/2012 pg. 56
Booklist 12/15/2012 pg. 5
Shelf Awareness 01/04/2013