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Life Below Stairs
Life Below Stairs: True Lives of Edwardian Servants | Alison Maloney
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.
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okthislooksbad
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Panpan

I saw someone somewhere compare this to a high school paper, and I can only agree. It's not /bad/ per say, but it's not bringing any new or even remotely different content to the table, and based on how often it's quoted I might as well have read Not in Front of the Servants. Meh.

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Crazeedi
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Bailedbailed

Nope. I was hoping this would be an interesting book on those who served. Just too dry, I mean really dry, there so much possibility here, just didn't measure up. Couldn't waste any more time. Just the facts, and no spice...🤨

SilversReviews I read a similar book....loved it. 5y
Crazeedi @SilversReviews I would like to read it, this one was just too boring 5y
SilversReviews @Crazeedi I have to look to see who the author is...I‘ll let you know. (edited) 5y
SilversReviews @Crazeedi Margaret Powell is the author...here is the link to my review. https://silversolara.blogspot.com/2012/12/below-stairs-by-margaret-powell.html 5y
Crazeedi @SilversReviews thank you!!! 5y
85 likes1 stack add5 comments
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UglyOldBat
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Pickpick

Fans of Downton Abbey might enjoy

#edwardian #servants #history

33 likes1 stack add
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clanoneves
Pickpick

For those of you struck with “Downton Abbey” fever, this book is the cure. An enlightening read about the lives of the service staff who became some of the best characters you‘ve grown to love. A short book that satisfies your appetite while leaving room for dessert, “Life Below Stairs” is an entirely worthwhile read perfect for a train ride or a day at the beach.

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Lindseyastin
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Mehso-so

I've recently gotten into a Downton Abbey podcast which in turn has gotten me into doing some reading about Edwardian England. This book gets into the nitty gritty about what it was like to be in service and some of the rigid social customs of the time period. The writing isn't very engaging. It's pretty dry. But informative if, like me, you wanted to know the difference between a scullery maid and a parlour maid and things like that.

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julesG
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It was interesting to learn about the #MysteriousWays of servant life in the Edwardian times.

#RockinMay
@Cinfhen

Cinfhen I'm sure it was pretty scandalous 🤗 8y
julesG @Cinfhen The book is pretty tame non-fiction. But you're certainly right, it must have been scandalous. 8y
58 likes3 stack adds2 comments