In the Li-Bree

Highclere Castle Library

Since the introduction of “Downton Abbey”, life in the great houses has fascinated me.  Not the stairs or the gowns and not the life style of the occupants, but it is the signature possessions that indicate “Now, here!  And here!  Well-to-do people live here!”

For me, the greatest indicators are the libraries (li-brees). 

Authenticity and status demanded floor to ceiling bookshelves, weighted with huge ancient books.  Faded leather bindings and spines, line up carefully with huge tomes on the top shelf, newer books in descending shelves.

Even in the respectable American homes, loaded bookcases mark the home as being one of means.

So many questions, I have so many:

1.   How is the library used in those houses?

2.   Do the Aged Leather bound books way up on top have a meaning?

3.   Did anyone read those books?

4.   If they did, where would one start?

5.   If the books were read, did anyone read them from start to finish?

6.   Who re-shelved these books?

7.   Would one have a cool library ladder?

8.   Who dusted those books (a female servant?)?

9.   What happened to those books as they deteriorated? And who ever checked to see if the crumbling books should be thrown out?

Did anyone actually know what books they had?

That is all I wanted to know. Well,not all, but I am certain you may have questions of your own. Any answers?

I want #78 on the third shelf down.

Dear Julian Fellowes,

To:  Julian Fellowes
At: Canarven Castle
RE:  Angry viewers

Dear Mr. Fellowes,

Sir, I must protest!  How dare you! 

The last episode of “Downton Abbey”, Season three, was absolutely unacceptable.  

While I appreciate the little happy bits you allowed viewers throughout the two hour showing, the last five minutes were NOT tolerable.  You toss the viewers little crumbs of joy only to sweep them all away in the final minutes of the show.

Dammit, man, we below-stairs viewers deserve more than this!

Do you not think something less catastrophic would have met the criteria of “cliff-hanger”? 

I impatiently await your reply and explanation.

Sincerely, etc. etc.

Your devoted follower,

Susan Kane

Grandmama par excellence

Julian Fellowes, an other-wise brilliant writer

For those who are in the dark about this whole business, please go to this link:

Downton Abbey

The Queen of One Line Zingers

We have moved into the world of Downton Abbey.  While we are not part of the gentry or the serving staff, we are definitely part of their world.  Maybe I am a baker in the village while my husband runs the newspaper?

Regardless, we are there.  Maggie Smith, the dowager Countess of Grantham, is the bright spark who lights up the sky.  How does she do it?!  She is the absolute Queen of One-Line Zingers. 

All the drama revolves in orbit, anchored by the dignified Maggie Smith who is garbed in the proper clothing, and the most amazing hats.  Her family is hashing through World War 1 and the issues of love. 

When there seems that the circular orbit is heading into a collision, Maggie Smith stops them all with her incredibly timed one line zinger.

From this stern countenance, stiff bearing and gloved-hand, Dame Maggie brings the room up a notch or two with well spoken, no holding back, one line deliverance.

Oh, did we know Dame Maggie Smith had this talent?  Of course, we did.  In “Harry Potter: The Deathly Hallows, pt. 2”, Professor Minerva McGonagall voiced a spell that brought the stone guardians of Hogwart’s to life.  Then she giggled, “I have always wanted to use that spell!”  or something to that effect..

How I hope that someday, I as a writer will come up with those one liner zingers.