Book Recommendations



Lord and Lady Carnarvon, 1921

I hope everyone is enjoying the current season of Downton Abbey!  It has been wonderful so far, but if one hour a week isn't enough for you, I have some great ways to extend your Downton Abbey experience.  The current Countess of Carnarvon,  Lady Fiona Carnarvon has written two excellent, well researched books on the real life inhabitants of Highclere Castle where Downton Abbey is filmed.  The first book is based on Lady Almina and covers her amazing life at Highclere Castle during World War I and the second book focuses on her daughter-in-law, Lady Catherine and her life, including her World War II experiences.  Turns out that the real life inhabitants of Highclere Castle were just as intriguing as their on screen counterparts. 


Highclere Castle by Richard Munckton

Another great book I received from my wonderful sister-in-law for Christmas was "Not in Front of the Corgis, Secrets of Life Behind the Royal Curtains."  It is a highly entertaining book which even includes which royals are most liked by their staff, as well as those who are not. This book is a must for everyone who has ever wondered what life is like behind the Palace walls.  It's filled with funny stories including Princess Diana's reaction to being asked how her father, Winston Churchill was!  There is nothing better than sitting by the fire on a cold snowy evening reading about interesting real life people living their lives in fantastic settings!