I still can’t believe this is the last season of Downton Abbey!
If you’re as sad as Mary and I are, I have some books to read that will cheer you up. They should last you a while after the final episode has aired.
This reading list consists of officially published books about the series, books that directly inspired the series, the history of the women that lived in Highclere Castle (aka Downton Abbey), and a few novels written by the creator of Downton Abbey.
To Marry An English Lord
by Carol McD. Wallace, Gail MacColl
Why you should read it
Julian Fellowes, the creator of Downton Abbey, says this book inspired the character Cora. Julian says the rest of the TV show explored “what their lives then became, trapped as they were in a way of life that many of them would outlive.”
World of Downton Abbey
by Jessica Fellowes
Why you should read it
This came out after season 1 and talks about the culture and times of when Downton Abbey is set with lots of gorgeous photos. If you love the history of Downton Abbey, this is definitely for you! This is the official companion for Seasons 1 & 2.
Chronicles of Downton Abbey
by Jessica Fellowes, Matthew Sturgis
Why you should read it
This is the official companion to Season 3. This book focuses on the characters and social structure of the time. There’s some fun background information of all the characters along with more gorgeous photographs.
Behind the Scenes of Downton Abbey
by Emma Rowley
Why you should read it
This is the official Season 4 companion. This goes into the making of Downton Abbey. It includes interviews and location information and details about props.
A Year in the Life of Downton Abbey: Seasonal Celebrations, Traditions, and Recipes
by Jessica Fellowes
Why you should read it
If you want to host a Downton Abbey farewell party, this is probably a good book to read :) I like the idea of walking you through the events, seasons, traditions and food that you would have over the year if you really lived at Downton Abbey. I assume this is the official book for Season 5 but it doesn’t say on the back of the cover like the other books. I came to that from the process of elimination.
Downton Abbey – A Celebration: The Official Companion to All Six Seasons
by Jessica Fellowes
Why you should read it
This book was just barely published a few months ago. This book is full of interviews, episode guides, and a look back at all the best moments from Downton. I think I might be the most excited for this book.
Downton Abbey: Rules for Household Staff
by Justyn Barnes
Why you should read it
This is a short book, but it looks kind of fun. It goes through all the positions in a house like Downton Abbey and they duties.
The Wit and Wisdom of Downton Abbey
by Jessica Fellowes
Why you should read it
This is also a short book that look fun. I think I’ll pull this out when I start missing the Dowager’s awesome one-liners.
Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey: The Lost Legacy of Highclere Castle
by Fiona Carnarvon
Why you should read it
This is the true story of the 5th Countess who lived in Highclere Castle. She was an American heiress and saved Highclere castle with her fortune. Sounds familiar right?! I think it’s so neat to see the real historical version of Downton Abbey. I want to read this so bad!!
Lady Catherine, the Earl, and the Real Downton Abbey
by Fiona Carnarvon
Why you should read it
This is about the 6th Countess of Highclere castle who lived there through the 1940s and WWII. If Downton Abbey ever comes back, I would love for it to do this time period!
Below Stairs
by Margaret Powell
Why you should read it
First published in 1968, this is a memoir of the true story of a kitchen maid that sounds very similar to Daisy’s story line. Julian Fellowes said this about the memoir:
“Margaret Powell was the first person outside my family to introduce me to that world, so near and yet seemingly so far away, where servants and their employers would live their vividly different lives under one roof. Her memories, funny and poignant, angry and charming, haunted me until, many years later, I made my own attempts to capture those people for the camera. I certainly owe her a great debt.”
Snobs
by Julian Fellowes
Why you should read it
This is written by the creator of Downton Abbey and it has a contemporary setting. It sounds pretty good.
Past Imperfect
by Julian Fellowes
Why you should read it
This is set in the 1960s and is the other novel written by the Downton Abbey creator. This one seems to have more of a mystery plot, but I’m sure there’s lots of English class and manners to go around as well :)
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My name is Jessica. I love to read Young Adult and classic literature. I’ve been a book blogger for six years and I haven’t gotten tired of it yet. I’m a very curious reader. Writing about all the questions and thoughts I had while reading a book is the best hobby ever.
I’m sad Downton is ending as well. There is a lot of material here! Wow! Have you read all these? Thanks for the recommendations. When I get withdrawals, I know where to turn.
I haven’t kept up with Downton in awhile, but I’m sorely tempted to watch Season 6 to see everyone’s ultimate fate, or at least as far as we’ll know it.
The recipe book sounds like fun!
“Wit and Wisdom of Downton Abby” is just ALL of Maggie Smith’s lines, isn’t it?