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Author: Alison Maloney Publisher: Macmillan ISBN: 1250023122 Category : History Languages : en Pages : 195
Book Description
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 Publisher: Macmillan ISBN: 1250023122 Category : History Languages : en Pages : 195
Book Description
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: Margaret Powell Publisher: St. Martin's Press ISBN: 142995244X Category : Biography & Autobiography Languages : en Pages : 221
Book Description
Brilliantly evoking the long-vanished world of masters and servants portrayed in Downton Abbey and Upstairs, Downstairs, Margaret Powell's classic memoir of her time in service, Below Stairs, is the remarkable true story of an indomitable woman who, though she served in the great houses of England, never stopped aiming high. Powell first arrived at the servants' entrance of one of those great houses in the 1920s. As a kitchen maid – the lowest of the low – she entered an entirely new world; one of stoves to be blacked, vegetables to be scrubbed, mistresses to be appeased, and bootlaces to be ironed. Work started at 5.30am and went on until after dark. It was a far cry from her childhood on the beaches of Hove, where money and food were scarce, but warmth and laughter never were. Yet from the gentleman with a penchant for stroking the housemaids' curlers, to raucous tea-dances with errand boys, to the heartbreaking story of Agnes the pregnant under-parlormaid, fired for being seduced by her mistress's nephew, Margaret's tales of her time in service are told with wit, warmth, and a sharp eye for the prejudices of her situation. Margaret Powell's true story of a life spent in service is a fascinating "downstairs" portrait of the glittering, long-gone worlds behind the closed doors of Downton Abbey and 165 Eaton Place.
Author: Michelle Higgs Publisher: Casemate Publishers ISBN: 1473871646 Category : Social Science Languages : en Pages : 197
Book Description
True accounts by domestic servants though a century and a half of British history revealing what their lives were really like—includes illustrations. Step into the world of domestic service and discover what life was really like for these unsung heroines (and heroes) of society. Between 1800 and 1950, the role of servants changed dramatically, but they remained the people without whom the upper and middle classes could not function. Through oral histories, diaries, newspaper reports, and never before seen testimonies, domestic servants tell their stories, warts and all—Downton it isn’t! You’ll read about revenge on a mistress with a box of beetles; the despair and loneliness of a fourteen-year-old maid; the adventure of moving to London to go into service; and an escape from an unhappy home life—as well as the “servant problem” and how servants found work; how National Insurance began to improve their lot; the impact World War I had on domestic service; and what was done to try to make the occupation appealing to a new generation. Praise for Michelle Higgs’ previous books “Enjoyable and well-written social history.” —Who Do You Think You Are? “Daily life is recounted with both historical detail and sympathy, aided by numerous first-person accounts.” —Your Family Tree
Author: Michelle Higgs Publisher: Pen and Sword ISBN: 1473834465 Category : History Languages : en Pages : 151
Book Description
An “utterly brilliant” and deeply researched guide to the sights, smells, endless wonders, and profound changes of nineteenth century British history (Books Monthly, UK). Step into the past and experience the world of Victorian England, from clothing to cuisine, toilet arrangements to transport—and everything in between. A Visitor’s Guide to Victorian England is “a brilliant guided tour of Charles Dickens’s and other eminent Victorian Englishmen’s England, with insights into where and where not to go, what type of people you’re likely to meet, and what sights and sounds to watch out for . . . Utterly brilliant!” (Books Monthly, UK). Like going back in time, Higgs’s book shows armchair travelers how to find the best seat on an omnibus, fasten a corset, deal with unwanted insects and vermin, get in and out of a vehicle while wearing a crinoline, and avoid catching an infectious disease. Drawing on a wide range of sources, this book blends accurate historical details with compelling stories to bring alive the fascinating details of Victorian daily life. It is a must-read for seasoned social history fans, costume drama lovers, history students, and anyone with an interest in the nineteenth century.
Author: Giles Waterfield Publisher: ISBN: Category : Art Languages : en Pages : 216
Book Description
Traditionally, British portraits have concentrated on the upper classes and the famous. This book explores the servant, be it in a grand or modest house, in the country or town, telling a fascinating story about power, class and human relationships spanning over 400 years of social and economic history.
Author: Margaret Powell Publisher: Macmillan ISBN: 1250029295 Category : Biography & Autobiography Languages : en Pages : 192
Book Description
A collection of accounts about life in the servants' halls of England's great houses shares the true story of under-parlourmaid Rose, who after eloping with her employer's only son was swept up in a maelstrom of gossip.
Author: Alison Maloney
Author: Alison Maloney
Author: Margaret Powell
Author: Michelle Higgs
Author: James Townley
Author: Pamela Horn
Author: Michelle Higgs
Author: Giles Waterfield
Author: Margaret Powell
Author: Samuel Adams (servant.)
Author: James Townley