The World of Downton Abbey

Product Information

Because Lord Grantham has no male heirs, upon his death the estate and title are set to fall to his cousin, James Crawley. After learning Bates had recently been released from prison, Thomas and Miss O'Brien (Lady Grantham's lady's maid) begin a relentless pursuit that nearly ruins the Crawley family in scandal.

The Crawleys' cousin, Lady Rose, daughter of Lord and Lady Flintshire, becomes engaged to Atticus Aldridge, son of Lord and Lady Sinderby. A debut from author Daisy Goodwin, The American Heiress travels abroad with a wealthy Newport beauty and follows along as she trades her American last name for a fancier title: the Duchess of Wareham, to be exact. This book tells how she bought American comfort and practicality to grand English homes, like Downton, bringing them up to date. S. as a part of “Masterpiece Classics” in 2011, but what many fans don’t know is that the Emmy-winning show was inspired from a book published in 1989.

Some of the fashion items worn by characters on the show have seen a strong revival of interest in the UK and elsewhere during the show's run, including starched collars, midi skirts, beaded gowns, and hunting plaids.

This led to backlash from Scottish viewers, who were frustrated at not being able to watch the programme.

The answer: Crack open a splendid novel that features a narrative brimming with elements of hypocrisy, judgment, and romance—you know, the essentials that define the high-society genre.