Lady Almina and the real Downton Abbey the lost legacy of Highclere Castle

After getting hooked on the Downton Abbey series on PBS, I was motivated to search out the real story of the family, and this book is definitely a must-read for any fan of the show. Letters, diaries, newspaper stories, photos and other primary sources are all compiled to give a thorough picture of the Countess, her family and the disappearing years of Edwardian England.
My favorite aspect of the book was the description of Lady Almina's wartime efforts to create a long-term care hospital and rehabilitation center for wounded soldiers at the castle. Her methods of nursing soldiers and training nurses are instructive and relevant even today.
Even if you haven't seen the PBS series, you'll find this book an easy, enjoyable read.