Life in the Victorian Country House (Shire History)

The strong points of this lovely book include an intelligent and engaging voice, a wealth of information and anecdote, and above all an abundance of varied and helpful color illustrations. Balancing photographs and drawings, high art and popular advertising, these images communicate the character of the period as well as being just plain fun to browse.The weak point, which won't affect all readers, is that the focus is really on the latter half of the long Victorian era rather than its early years. I bought the book in the course of researching a novel set in 1853, only to find that much of the material here deals with later decades. This isn't the author's fault--it's impossible for anyone to capture the whole of a fast-changing era lasting over sixty years in a book of only 125 pages or so. Instead, it's really a titling issue; adding "Late" to the "Victorian" of the title would have made the book considerably more useful for those who, like me, had a specific focus or need.For anyone with a more general interest in England, Victoriana, or the country house, however, this is a fun, unique, informative and beautifully produced book.

As an author stuck in the middle of the continental US, getting my hands on great reference material about English society in the mid-nineteenth century isn't always easy---so I snapped up this book as soon as I saw it. And it's been a treasure trove of information that I needed, as well as tidbits from journals and quotes throughout that are giving me tons of new ideas I can incorporate into my novels. It's well written, easy to read, and filled with gorgeous plates, photos, and illustrations. A must-have for anyone researching---or just interested in---the Victorian era.

Pamela Horn has written a series of books about ordinary life in the Victorian era in England. The books are noteworthy for their primary sources and glimpses into the daily lives of ordinary people. Some of the more famous names from the period wander through the pages, but on the whole, we get to see everyday moments in unsung lives. It's a most revealing way to think about the period. Highly recommended.

I haven't read this book yet, but just from looking through it, I know I'll love it - I love everything about the Victorian times.

This book extensively quotes documents either written during the Victorian period or written later by people who lived then. It's packed with photographs, drawings, and paintings done during the period as well. In other words, I feel as if I can rely on the information. The author has organized all of this material and presented it in an interesting, easily readable form. This is one history book I read all the way through before putting it on my reference shelf.