Life below stairs
Subtitle: true lives of Edwardian servants
By: Alison Maloney
Publisher: Michael O'Mara; Michael O'Mara Books
Published: 2011
Place of publication: London
Language: eng
Number of pages: 192
ISBN-13: 9781843176978; 9781843177841; 9781843177821; 9781843177814
Subjects: Social conditions; Household employees
Description: Last year, the telly-watching public was gripped by "Downton Abbey"--The most successful British period drama in years and the number - one most-watched new drama programme of 2010. Captivated by the secrets, the scandal and the servant-master divide of an Edwardian household, viewers religiously watched in their millions. In "Life Below Stairs", bestselling author Alison Maloney responds to the public's desire to know more, going behind the scenes to reveal a detailed picture of what really went on 'downstairs', describing the true-life trials and tribulations of the servants in a gripping non-fiction account. Thoroughly researched and reliably informed, it also contains first-hand stories from the staff of the time. This charming and beautifully presented volume is a must-read for anyone interested in the lifestyle and conduct of a bygone era.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (pages 183-184) and index.
Table of contents: title: Social background; title: Household structure; title: Pay and conditions; title: A day in the life of a country house; title: Toil and technique; title: Special occasions; title: Code of conduct; title: Hiring and firing; title: The high life; title: Conclusion.