Alison Maloney

Last year, the telly-watching public was gripped by Downton Abbey - the most successful British period drama in years and the number-one most-watched new drama programme of 2010. Captivated by the secrets, the scandal and the servant-master divide of an Edwardian household, viewers religiously watched in their millions. In Life Below Stairs, bestselling author Alison Maloney responds to the public's desire to know more, going behind the scenes to reveal a detailed picture of what really went on 'downstairs', describing the true-life trials and tribulations of the servants in a gripping non-fiction account. Thoroughly researched and reliably informed, it also contains first-hand stories from the staff of the time. This charming and beautifully presented volume is a must-read for anyone interested in the lifestyle and conduct of a bygone era.

True Lives of Edwardian Servants

Life Below Stairs

Bright Young Thingsis a thoroughly entertaining non-fiction account of 'the real Downton Abbey', which brings to life the historical backdrop of the series in an informative, fun and engaging book. As one viewer told The New York Times- 'I'm just enjoying the show so much, I thought I needed to get a book about it. And I was watching the historical scenes and thinking, I don't know enough about this. So maybe I can learn something in the process.' So step into a time of hot jazz and even hotter all-night dance halls, as Alison Maloney shares the gossip about life in the Roaring Twenties. Read all about it- high society's scandalous exploits, fresh new fashions, the Charleston dance craze, costume parties, talking movies and, of course, the feisty flapper. With chapters such as Makin' Whoopee, Cocktail Hour and Upstairs, Downstairs, Bright Young Thingstakes a sweeping look at the changing society of the Jazz Age, as life below stairs vanished forever, loose morals ran riot, and new inventions made it seem anything was possible. Peppered with first-person accounts that convey the spirit of the era in the words of those who lived it, Bright Young Thingsis a scintillating celebration of a truly iconic decade.

Life in the Roaring Twenties

Bright Young Things

For the mum who embraces motherhood and all that it entails, The Mums' Book is a humorous handbook on the ups and downs of being a mother. Featuring:. recipes for the perfect fairy cakes . tips on how to throw the best children's parties . examples of the best games to play on long journeys. advice on the best ways to pamper oneselfPlus other invaluable, and bizarre, pearls of wisdom handed down from generation to generation. The Mums' Book is also a celebration of motherhood, a miscellany of hilarious anecdotes and survival techniques from the world's best mums. No mother should be without this informative and amusing guide!

For the Mum Who's Best at Everything

The Mums' Book

From the moment Colin Firth took on the role of Mr Darcy in the 1995 BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, emerging from the lake in 'that scene', he was set on a path from sex symbol to national treasure and Hollywood star. With roles ranging from Hugh Grant's love rival in Bridget Jones to an Oscar-nominated turn as a gay university professor in A Single Man, Firth's skills as a versatile actor have known no bounds. Yet, it was his recent portrayal of George VI in the 2011 film The King's Speech that has elevated him to Hollywood royalty, bagging him numerous awards, including the much coveted Oscar for Best Actor. However, it is not only his assumed roles, but the man himself who has captured the hearts of audiences the world over. This first ever biography also reveals: his early life in Nigeria; the secrets of his escape to Canada with actress Meg Tilly, the birth of their first son and his heartbreak as the relationship floundered; the passionate affair with Pride and Prejudice co-star Jennifer Ehle; and his whirlwind romance with his Italian wife, Livia. Fascinating, revelatory and suffused with Firth's own dry wit, this is a must-read book on the man of the moment.

The Biography

Colin Firth

"As a companion to Downton Abbey . . . Maloney's study satisfies . . . [a] thorough glimpse into the lives of British house servants in the early 1900s." — Shelf Awareness UPSTAIRS, an Edwardian home would have been a picture of elegance and calm, adorned with social gatherings and extravagantly envisioned dinner parties. DOWNSTAIRS, it was a hive of domestic activity, supported by a body of staff painstakingly devoted to ensuring the smooth running of the household. Brimming with family secrets, society scandal, and of course elaborate parties, dresses, and social customs, the world of an aristocratic Edwardian household as depicted on the hit show Downton Abbey has captivated millions. But what was life really like for the people who kept such a household running: the servants? In Life Below Stairs, international bestselling author Alison Maloney takes readers behind the scenes to reveal a lively and colorful picture of what went on "downstairs," describing servants' daily life in this now-vanished world. Detailing everything from household structure, pay and conditions, special duties, and rules and regulations, to perks, entertainment, and even romance, Maloney examines the drudgery and hardships below stairs, as well as the rewards and pleasures. Thoroughly researched and reliably informed, this charmingly illustrated volume also contains first-hand stories from the staff of the time, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the lifestyle and conduct of a bygone era. "This handy compendium is a digestible introduction to the dos and don'ts of the highly stratified upper-class households of the era. Especially revealing are the interspersed anecdotal snippets culled from the memoirs of both domestic staff members and their well-heeled employers." — Booklist

Kit the Cat sits and spits and flashes a fishy and fearsome frown at Flash the Fish. Flash the Fish could be in terrible trouble, only the devilishly daring Dig the Dog can save her now

Kit the Cat

As Strictly Come Dancing waltzes onto our screens for a 10th series this official companion is here to partner you through all the twists and turns, as well as celebrating all the highlights of the last series. Offering interviews with all the contestants and judges, including a spotlight on new judge, the beautiful prima ballerina Darcey Bussell, the 2013 annual also has lots of new features for you to enjoy. Fancy knitting the cast? We can show you how! Want to know the history of the glitter ball? Find it here. Introduced by presenters Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daley, with pages of info on the delicious Harry Judd (winner of series 9), the dresses, the disasters, and the divas, this book is a glittering gift for any Strictly addict.

Strictly Come Dancing 2013

Don your finest feather boa and be prepared to shimmy under the glitterball as series 14 of Strictly Come Dancing is back and more glamorous than ever. Let yourself be twirled around the dance floor by the 2017 annual, your perfect guide to divas, drama and dancing. Get a behind-the-scenes guided tour of the legendary Blackpool Tower, learn how to decorate your own ballroom shoes and get the lowdown on all of the celebs and dancers. The Official Strictly Come Dancing Annual 2017 is simply fabulous. Featuring a sequin-studded cast of celebrities, exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes exclusives this annual is your perfect partner for the glittering world of Strictly.

The Official Companion to the Hit BBC Series

Official Strictly Come Dancing Annual 2017

Suitable for Strictly fans, this title features inside scoop on all the Series 7 celebrities, a chat with each of the dancers, an audience with the judges, a backstage pass on the Live Tour, a special report on John Sergeant, and an interview with current champion Tom Chambers.

Strictly Come Dancing 2010

Dah dah dah dah dah dah dah, dah dah dah dah dah ... Go behind the sequins on the new series of Strictly ... Strictly Come Dancing sashays onto our screens again with a fantastic new cast of stars ready to brave the dance floor. Swot up on your dance expertise and discover how the Strictly magic is created. With exclusive interviews with the pro dancers, their celebrity partners and the fabulous judges, this is your perfect partner for this year’s Strictly extravaganza.

Official Strictly Come Dancing Annual 2020

Bright Young Things is a thoroughly entertaining non-fiction account of 'the real Downton Abbey', which brings to life the historical backdrop of the series in an informative, fun and engaging book. As one viewer told The New York Times: 'I'm just enjoying the show so much, I thought I needed to get a book about it. And I was watching [the historical scenes] and thinking, I don't know enough about this. So maybe I can learn something in the process.' So step into a time of hot jazz and even hotter all-night dance halls, as Alison Maloney shares the gossip about life in the Roaring Twenties. Read all about it: high society’s scandalous exploits, fresh new fashions, the Charleston dance craze, costume parties, talking movies and, of course, the feisty flapper. With chapters such as Makin' Whoopee, Cocktail Hour and Upstairs, Downstairs, Bright Young Things takes a sweeping look at the changing society of the Jazz Age, as life below stairs vanished forever, loose morals ran riot, and new inventions made it seem anything was possible. Peppered with first-person accounts that convey the spirit of the era in the words of those who lived it, Bright Young Things is a scintillating celebration of a truly iconic decade.

A treasury of true anecdotes, trivia, practical tips, and activity suggestions for spending time with grandchildren takes a lighthearted look at the joys of being a grandmother.

For the Grandma Who's Best at Everything

The Grandmas' Book

Patricia Moffett

Introduces readers to the world of fairies, from the fairy queen to the gentle flower fairy, in a text that includes an interactive CD-ROM.

Fairyland Magic

Dah dah dah dah dah dah dah, dah dah dah dah dah... That's right, Strictly Come Dancing is back and it's bigger than ever with an all new cast of stars ready to grace the dance floor. Head behind the scenes for exclusive interviews with the pro dancers, their celebrity partners and the fabulous judges to discover how the Strictly magic is created. With extra games, quizzes, puzzles and trivia, this is your dream partner for the Strictly spectacular.

Official Strictly Come Dancing Annual 2021

The official, full-color, illustrated, behind-the-scenes companion to the lavish hit ITV and PBS television series Mr. Selfridge that vividly brings into focus the remarkable man and his time. Set at the crossroads between the old and the new—when the Victorian and Edwardian eras gave way to the modern age—Mr. Selfridge illuminates the passions, drama, tensions, and promise of the early twentieth century, embodied in one charming, dynamic, self-made man: department store tycoon Harry Gordon Selfridge. Mr. Selfridge follows a colorful cast of characters whose lives and fortunes are entangled with the founder of the magnificent department store that bears his name: Selfridge’s. American retail visionary Harry Selfridge moves to London in 1906 with his family to establish the most ambitious department store the world had ever seen. While his dreams inspire many, they also challenge the staid conventions of British society. A saga bursting with love affairs, class divisions, cultural clashes, ambition, betrayals, and secrets, Mr. Selfridge is set in an era when women reveled in a new sense of freedom and modernity. A charming, dynamic, brilliant, and forceful man who enjoys and respects women, Harry opens the doors of his opulent department story on London's famed Oxford Street to indulge, empower and celebrate them, changing the way the British—and the world—shopped forever. Including a foreword by series producer Andrew Davies, this official illustrated companion to the series—the biggest ITV-produced drama of all time—takes fans on a journey through the world of the series, Selfridge’s, and the larger-than-life entrepreneur, husband, lover, and family man behind it. Rich with historical detail, The World of Mr. Selfridge examines the real man and the fictional character based on him, his relationship with his family, his genius for retail, and his flagship store, including its departments and changing fashions in the early twentieth century. Complete with hundreds of gorgeous photographs, The World of Mr. Selfridge takes a closer look at the cast and their characters over the first two seasons, and looks ahead to series three, which begins in 1919—when Harry’s life really begins to unravel.

The Glamour and Romance

The World of Mr. Selfridge

Almost half of all women in the UK have been involved in Girlguiding at some stage in their lives. With over 10 million members in 145 countries, the movement has had an impact like none other on the lives of women around the world. Here is the extraordinary story of Girlguiding past and present, from six young girls' first request 100 years ago for 'something for the girls', to the organization's current campaign to give young girls a voice. It includes the true account of Guide Leaders being among the first to enter Belsen at the end of the Second World War, the colourful details of Beatrix Potter's involvement, the introduction of Brownies, Rainbows and Rangers, the close participation of the Royal Family, and recent feats such as the Everest balloon challenge, the Tall Ships race and ongoing development projects around the world. This colourful and inspirational book will appeal to all adult members past and present as well as current Guides, Brownies and Rainbows. It is a centenary volume to treasure.

The Official Guide to the First 100 Years of Guiding

Something for the Girls

Told largely in the words of people who lived through this extraordinary time, The Forties: Good Times Just Around the Corner is a vividly remembered account of the most important decade of the twentieth century. With original photographs and memorabilia of every kind, this is a book for anyone interested in our shared past, for anyone interested in history, and for anyone who wants to know how this country came to be as it is today.

Good Times Just Around the Corner

The Forties

Percy is incredibly accident-prone, and holds the dubious record of the most accidents. Percy has had a small rivalary with Harold, however, they are always willing to help each other when in trouble.

For the Sister Who's Best at Everything

The Sisters' Book

Grannyhood is often approached with dread by the soon-to-be granny, but The Grannies' Book gives reason to embrace and celebrate this wonderful role. Devoted to grandmothers in every shape and form, The Grannies' Book includes: Tips and suggestions for maintaining one's 'best gran' status; Famous grannies from history, literature and folklore; Checklists of things expected of a granny; Ideas for things to do with grandchildren; Secrets that all grandmothers should know. Decorated with lovely black-and-white illustrations throughout, this is a beautiful gift for every wonderful and much-loved granny.

For the Granny Who's Best at Everything

The Grannies' Book

Along with the fine art of queuing and proper tea, talking about the weather is the essence of Britishness. We’re all a little bit obsessed by it. Will it snow this Christmas? Was this year really the warmest on record? And where on earth did ‘raining cats and dogs’ come from? According to recent research, 94% of British people admit to having discussed the weather in the past six hours, while 38% say they have in the past 60 minutes. And Now, The Weather... is an almanac, a miscellany, and a celebration of our most famous obsession. Including beautiful illustrations, maps and line drawings, And Now, The Weather... is a perfect gift for the cloudspotter in your life. Features include: - The Lore of Weather – myths, legends and old wives tales about the weather. - Lost in Translation – Colloquial names for weather around the country, from Custard Winds to Mizzle. - Extreme Weather – Bizarre events in the history of British Weather including red rain and a downpour of frogs and fish. - Plus tables showing record breaking sunshine, wind speed, rainfall, heat etc.

Alison Maloney

Books

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