The Chronicles of Downton Abbey, carefully pieced together at the heart and hearth of the ancestral home of the Crawleys, takes readers deeper into the story of every important member of the Downton estate. This new book focuses on each character individually, examining their motivations, their actions, and the inspirations behind them
This biography offers the most comprehensive and accurate account of Oscar Wilde's extraordinary life, drawing on extensive new research and materials. It is hailed as the best modern biography of Wilde, praised for its depth and insight. Matthew Sturgis utilizes newly discovered letters, documents, and the full transcript of Wilde's libel trial to vividly depict the key events and influences that shaped his life, placing him firmly within his historical context. The narrative explores Wilde's Irish childhood, highlighting his early traits as a dreamy boy and a gifted classicist. It details his time at Oxford, marked by brilliance and a rebellious spirit, and his arrival in London in 1878, where he quickly became a prominent figure. The biography covers his ten-year marriage to Constance Lloyd, the father of two boys, and the complexities of their relationship, including her unknowing acceptance of Wilde's lovers. Wilde's evolution as a playwright and his role as a leading figure in the aesthetic movement are thoroughly examined, alongside his rise to celebrity. The account does not shy away from the darker aspects of his life, including his double life in defiance of England's sodomy laws and the tragic fall that led to his imprisonment, ultimately destroying his life and spirit.
An illustrated story of Tosca the cat's exploits on Christmas eve.
A New Era
The Great War has ended, but Downton Abbey is far from peaceful. A changing world has brought new challenges and new guests, and inside the walls of the Great House there is more intrigue, rivalry and romance than ever. The Chronicles of Downton Abbey takes you deep into the lives of the Crawleys, their servants, lovers, friends and guests. So wander the crowded servants' quarters and peek into luxurious bed chambers. Go beneath the surface, and experience every aspect of their lives - from daily routines, dressing tables and treasure chests to their deepest hopes and fears. Beautifully and extensively illustrated, with photography, portraits and memorabilia.