I got sucked in anyway.

For the most part I managed to sidestep "Downton Abbey Fever," which has seemed widespread this past year.

I watched the first episode, and bits of subsequent episodes, but I could never really find the energy to dedicate subsequent Sunday nights to it.* (I prefer my Masterpiece Theatre viewing in one- and two-episode chunks, I find.) I also got a bit bored with it because its popularity has been a big and continuing story, and one that I linked to frequently whenever I blogged for the (aimed at librarians and readers' advisors) Reader's Advisor Online Blog.

But of course I couldn't help myself when I saw that a companion guide, The World of Downton Abbey, had been written by Jessica Fellowes. It truly is a companion guide, hewing closely to the storylines of the program and referring to the characters as though they were real people. It does include beautiful photographs, and the chapters cover the topics of family life, society, change, life in service, style, house and estate, romance, war, and behind the scenes.

Although I'd hoped to find more historical information and context, the little there was was quite interesting. Consider this tidbit:

"While bells are now seen as a symbol of servitude, at the time the bell-boards came in, around the 1820s, they were hailed as an absolute liberation. Up until that point, the footmen had to sit on hard wooden chairs within earshot of the family--usually in the hall. They would get a message...find the maid, and then go back to their chair." (p. 20.)

Of course I read the whole thing. It was like candy; I just couldn't stop. It also gave me more of an urge to watch the series, but I'll have to find a whole lot more time to devote to it than I have now.

*Plus I found the main heroine, Mary, to be the most obnoxious leading lady ever, and her romantic interest, played by Dan Stevens, doesn't do anything for me character- or looks-wise. As Mr. CR would say, he's no Mr. Darcy. (The joke on Mr. CR is that Mr. Wentworth and Mr. Tilney both beat out Darcy as my favorite Austen men. Don't tell him--he thinks his "Oh Mr. Darcy..." shtick is very clever.)

Comments

[Sarah]

Is that Captain Wentworth and Mr. Tilney in the books, or in the most recent film adaptations (i.e. Rupert Penry-Jones).

[Citizen Reader]

Sarah,
Well, there's absolutely nothing wrong with Rupert Penry-Jones (although I prefer Ciaran Hinds, and the version he was in), but mainly I like the boys in the books.

[Donna]

I seldom if ever have "appointment TV". I recommend the DVDs so you can watch when you can. Each season is only 6 or 7 episodes.

[Citizen Reader]

Donna,
Actually, I kind of love "appointment TV." Lends more excitement to the experience. But it is hard to keep 6 or 7 appointments.
Thanks for recommending it--lots of people who know of my Brit addiction have--so I know I'll watch it sometime. Right now I'm just waiting for the next three episodes of "Sherlock"!

[Sarah]

I like the 1995 version better as well, but I do seem to recall you swooning over Mr. MI-5. Of course, my remembery isn't what it used to be . . .

[Thomas at My Porch]

I haven't read this book, but I think the series was waaaay overrated. And that is from someone who usually loves that kind of show. I hope the book is more accurate about the period than show. There were so many scenes where the interaction between upstairs and downstairs was so implausible. Overall the writing in the tv show was really lame. Not at all what I expect from such lavishly filmed period dramas.

[heidi]

Watch this hilarious spoof of Downton Abbey

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5dMlXentLw

[Citizen Reader]

Sarah,
Well, who WOULDN'T swoon over Rupert Penry-Jones? But even I, in the depths of swooniness, must admit the 1995 Persuasion was vastly superior to the one in which RP-J made his appearance.

Thomas,
If you weren't a fan of the show I certainly wouldn't bother with the book. Any good history of service work in Great Britain would be better, or perhaps you might like Margaret Powell's hilarious memoir "Below Stairs"?
Yes, Downton was a bit "modern" for me. I find I like the adaptations of works by authors of the time much better than "new" productions, including such programs as "Lark Rise to Candleford" and the second "Cranford" production, which wasn't as closely based on Elizabeth Gaskell's novel. I'm snobby that way. :)

Heidi,
Thanks for the link! I'm off to watch it.