Behind the Scenes at Downton Abbey - Emma Rowley

Title: Behind the Scenes at Downton Abbey
Athor: Emma Rowley
Pages: 288
Published: 2013
Challenges: None
Genre: Movie tie-in, Non-fiction
Edition: Hardcover
Source: Library

Description: Gain unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to Downton Abbey in this official Season 4 tie-in book, complete with never-before-seen photos giving fans insight into the making of the runaway hit.

Expertly crafted with generous inside knowledge and facts, this book will delve into the inspiration behind the details seen on screen, the choice of locations, the music and much more. Step inside the props cupboard or the hair and make-up truck and catch a glimpse of the secret backstage world. In-depth interviews and exclusive photos give insight into the actors’ experiences on set as well as the celebrated creative team behind the award-winning drama. Straight from the director’s chair, this is the inside track on all aspects of the making of the show.

Thoughts: A very nice put together book that gives the reader a look behind-the-scenes to Downton Abbey.  I got through the book in a few hours and thought it was interesting to look and read about the various aspects of how they put the show together, especially the food.  The producers have hired an actual chef to make the food that one sees on the screen and she has to make a number of the same thing in order to make sure that the food looks flawless with each take that is made with the food and have to make sure that some of it only have a few items to put on by the actors who portray the kitchen staff (and yes, the food is real).    They also talk about the clothing and the hair and a number of aspects that are interesting to know about it, including the bell board, which is pulled by somebody behind the board.  They also talk about the sets that they use and the various locations used in the show.

Bottom line: I would probably recommend the book to fans of the show who would like to know more about the behind-the-scenes stuff.   Recommended.

Rating: 4/5

Pages for 2013: 17,665