The World of DOWNTON ABBEY

With "Downton Abbey", acclaimed screenwriter Julian Fellowes ("Gosford Park", "Young Victoria") has created one of the most successful and also qualitatively best British TV series of recent years. Even though the stories of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants on the country estate Downton Abbey are, from a purely dramaturgical point of view, not much more than a noble soap opera and the basic idea is clearly reminiscent of the TV classic "The House at Eaton Place", the great scripts, the excellent actors and the set make the series something very special. It's a sweeping world that viewers are only too happy to be drawn into. And that's exactly what Jessica Fellowes, niece of the series creator, allows all fans of the series to do with her entertaining, informative, and beautifully designed companion book, "The World of Downton Abbey".

The book introduces the characters of the series in various chapters and takes a look behind the scenes. But the book is much more than a typical episode guide or a simple making of book. Rather, Fellowes also delves into the historical background of the first two seasons and offers a look at social customs and social positions of the time surrounding World War I. She points out how much importance the makers attached to the authenticity of clothing, equipment, but also language and social interaction. In addition to numerous images from the series and photos from the set, there are then also some concept drawings, but also photos, postcards or newspaper clippings from the early 20th century to see.

Both in terms of content, but also in terms of design, the book more than lives up to the level of the series. Jessica Fellowes has created a comprehensive and visually appealing companion book to her uncle's award-winning series that will appeal to readers interested in the making of the series as well as those who simply want to learn more about the historical background. A true glossy product that can be highly recommended to any fan of this wonderful series! Absolutely recommendable!

An article by Frankfurt-Tipp