Synopsis: It was impossible to escape the hype and interest surrounding Downton Abbey in 2010. The most successful British period drama since Brideshead Revisited saw over ten million of us become hopelessly addicted to the drama, the decor, the class politics and the clothes! To coincide with the second series comes the release of Life Below Stairs: True Lives of Edwardian Servants.

This fascinating new book uncovers the real-life experiences and first-hand accounts of what life was really like working in a grand Edwardian house. It explores the sometimes difficult servant-master divide, the trials and tribulations of a servant’s life, the rules and hierarchies, the scandals, the gossip, the precious down-time and much more.
From etiquette (both of servants and masters) to entertainment in the servants’ hall; from authentic Edwardian recipes to period hair and beauty tips, from how to black a stove to what you should expect of your footmen, here is all you need to explore life downstairs.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Life-Below-Stairs-Edwardian-Servants/dp/1843176971/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1315219414&sr=8-1

Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict
This compact little book is packed full with information, its content includes the social background, the structure of households, the pay and conditions, a day in the life of a country house, toil and technique, special occasions, code of conduct, hiring and firing, and the high life. In each chapter there are accounts of what people were expected to do and gives an insight into their daily lives. For example in Toil and Technique, it talks about all the arduous routines that were involved. Coupled with advertisements from the time, it is a fascinating look behind the scenes of life below stairs. A perfect gift for anyone interested in Edwardian life!