The World of Downton Abbey

By: Jessica Fellows

Narrated by: Elizabeth McGovern

A perfect gift for Downton Abbey fans, a lavish look at the real world - both the secret history and the behind-the-scenes drama - of the spellbinding Emmy Award-winning Masterpiece TV series that's now a feature film.

April 1912. The sun is rising behind Downton Abbey, a great and splendid house in a great and splendid park. So secure does it appear that it seems as if the way it represents will last for another 1,000 years. It won't.

Millions of American viewers were enthralled by the world of Downton Abbey, the mesmerizing TV drama of the aristocratic Crawley family - and their servants - on the verge of dramatic change. On the eve of season two of the TV presentation, this audiobook takes us even deeper into that world, with fresh insights into the story and characters as well as the social history.

©2011 Jessica Fellowes (P)2012 Macmillan Audio

Unknown history of the times

Great narration and good story if you sre familiar with the tv series. I have watched Downton over and over and read the backvstory of Hiclere.

A PEAK AT AN ENTIRELY DIFFERENT WORLDVIEW

Would you listen to The World of Downton Abbey again? Why?

I have listened to this book twice - because the first time through I was "distracted" by my teenager. It was worth it; picked up on some things I am glad I did not miss. I had just completed a marathon "catchup" viewing of Downton Abbey - not really a television person - and wanted to know more about their world. This book gave some great insight upon a worldview that is very far removed from us today - at least the Western World. And that does not mean because they were so rich (although it was fun to calculate their net worth back then - amazing! and with no taxes!). For women and minority cultures especially, it lets me know that progress is slow but progress is being made to open up opportunities and new horizons. But this book also exposed many of the things we have forever lost and will never retrieve. Take time to listen this one - not a "long read."

Have you listened to any of Elizabeth McGovern’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This was my first performance by Ms. McGovern - I thought it was very good and look forward to hearing some of her other readings. She is really an excellent actress.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I listened to it in one sitting and it was worth it.

Perfect companion for a solid fan.

Helpful historical referencing, short but fun. If you are a die hard fan, this is a fun piece

The World of Downton Abbey

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend it from the historical point of view. I thought it was going to be more about the story. The descriptions were interesting.

Downton

goes great with the series and the movie
A good book for all Downton Abbey fans

Excellent backdrop for the television series.

What made the experience of listening to The World of Downton Abbey the most enjoyable?

Having watched two seasons of the series, it was interesting to get more background information.

Can never get enough of Downton Abbey

What made the experience of listening to The World of Downton Abbey the most enjoyable?

Narration by Elizabeth McGovern who plays Cora.

What did you like best about this story?

Learning more about the life and times of the early 20th century.

What about Elizabeth McGovern’s performance did you like?

Simply that one has gotten to know her voice through her on-screen performance.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Not really - just enjoyed getting my Downton Abbey addiction fix.

Any additional comments?

A nice addition to the world of Downton Abbey while awaiting Season 3. The only thing I didn’t like was learning that the entire program is not filmed in the manor - takes away some of the show’s authenticity.

More details about life at Downton

What made the experience of listening to The World of Downton Abbey the most enjoyable?

While Elizabeth McGovern is likely the weakest actress on the show, but she does a good job as narrator of this book. If you are a fan of the show and want to go just a bit deeper, then this is worth your time. It explains a few things that Americans might not understand.

Wonderful Reading

Elizabeth McGovern is a very skilled and talented actress. She did the voice of Julian Fellows very well. I really appreciate the sound of her voice.

What fun!

I thoroughly enjoyed learning the back stories of the Downton Abbey characters, as well as, some of the history of their time. Well written. Well narrated. Just a really good book.