Doing History in the Age of Downton Abbey: Journal of British Cinema and Television, Volume 16, Issue 1

Academic historians engage with Downton Abbey and similar programmes on a personal, intellectual, and professional basis, challenging the narrow view of period drama TV as conservative nostalgia. They offer personal accounts of their work on the series, exploring how it works as popular history and the divide between public and academic history. British and American historians bring together to help us understand how British popular culture is used and consumed in different ways.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 30 January 2019
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Academic historians engage with Downton Abbey and similar programmes on a personal, intellectual, and professional basis. As representations of history, period dramas perform serious work and can be used to discuss both historical and contemporary issues. The contributors challenge the narrow view of period drama TV as conservative nostalgia and suggest ways in which historians can navigate the boundaries between academic and public history.

Key Features:

Gives personal accounts of the ways US historians have been publicly in work on one of the most talked-about television dramas.

Looks at Downton Abbey from historians' perspectives, not to challenge its historical accuracy but to explore how it works as popular history.

Explores the divide between public and academic history.

Brings together British and American historians to help us understand how British popular culture is used and consumed in different ways.

Downton Abbey is a popular television drama that has been widely discussed and analyzed by historians. While some have criticized it for its historical inaccuracies, others have embraced it as a valuable tool for exploring historical and contemporary issues. This article presents personal accounts of US historians who have been publicly involved in work on Downton Abbey, as well as an exploration of the divide between public and academic history.

One of the key features of Downton Abbey is its ability to portray historical events and characters in a way that is accessible to a wide audience. The series has been praised for its attention to detail, its beautiful costumes, and its engaging storytelling. However, it has also been criticized for its portrayal of certain historical events and characters, particularly those related to the upper classes.

Historians have used Downton Abbey to explore a range of historical and contemporary issues. For example, some have used the series to discuss the impact of the First World War on British society, while others have explored the role of women in the workplace during the period. Others have used the series to explore the divide between public and academic history, and how this divide can be bridged.

One of the challenges that historians face when engaging with Downton Abbey is the divide between public and academic history. Public history is often seen as more accessible and engaging than academic history, and is often used to promote historical awareness and understanding. However, academic history is often seen as more rigorous and scholarly, and is often used to advance knowledge and understanding of historical events and processes.

Historians have used a range of strategies to bridge the divide between public and academic history. For example, some have used social media to share their research and insights with a wider audience, while others have worked with museums and other cultural institutions to create exhibitions and programs that bring historical events and characters to life. Others have used their expertise to consult on television and film productions, to ensure that historical accuracy is maintained.

Despite the challenges that historians face when engaging with Downton Abbey, the series has had a significant impact on public awareness and understanding of history. The series has been watched by millions of people around the world, and has inspired a range of books, articles, and other media. This has led to a greater appreciation of the importance of history and the need to preserve it for future generations.

In conclusion, academic historians engage with Downton Abbey and similar programmes on a personal, intellectual, and professional basis. As representations of history, period dramas perform serious work and can be used to discuss both historical and contemporary issues. The contributors challenge the narrow view of period drama TV as conservative nostalgia and suggest ways in which historians can navigate the boundaries between academic and public history. By using a range of strategies, historians can help to bridge the divide between public and academic history and ensure that historical knowledge and understanding are preserved for future generations.

Weight: 230g
Dimension: 152 x 232 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474450799