The 1940s house

I wasn't able to view this t.v. show until I later found it at a library (it's a bit cost-prohibitive to buy for most one time viewers). At any rate, I am SO glad it turned out this way because I read this amazingly detailed book on this modern family's (circa 2000) experiences living in 1940s WWII England. SO MANY wonderful details about real life, not just heroics, and of course, the horrors of the Holocaust, but just a family living in one neighborhood in one house. The series creators did the best they could considering that once the residents LEFT the house, they could not get the WHOLE experience (bombs dropping, constant stress of loss of life), but they provided them with the deprivations that many experienced including shortages of food stuff/toiletries/clothing, even utilities. For the two young boys (the grandsons of the single-mother who lived with her parents in the experience which they did not do at home before 1940s!...what a gold mine of information and experience. You can't get a better history class than hands-on experience that they will never forget and will pass on to their children just as the grandparents got it from their parents during their childhoods!). And a life-long love of that era of history!I lived with aging grandparents and a single mother who had all experienced WWII, only they were blessed with their experience by being in the States rather than the UK. And it STILL affected them greatly. I still hate to throw away serviceable stuff like buttons, and donate items I no longer need. I even own a used bookshop, I am that much into 'recycling' useable goods! :0) just as my grands taught me in the 1950s.

This was an amazing concept! I felt so sorry for the women; the amount of work was tremendous! Book made learning history a real experience.

I enjoyed this. Thought it was done well. Arrived on time, well wrapped.

As described, great and intersting book.

I watched the program on the telly - - and was glad I am living today. The book reinforces what I viewed.

If you liked the series you will love the book. Indepth information regarding the family, rationing, clothing, food prep, etc. Would be great for younger people studying this time period.

I did not rea;lise it was a re-enactment rather than authentic material so a little disappointed I suppose but I am sure it was as real as was possible in modern day

This book is a companion to the Channel 4 series that ran in Britain awhile back. Fans of the series or anyone interested in World War II London should find it interesting. The book takes a glimpse behind-the-scenes and explains how the show was cast and the house (and its furnishings) was chosen. Expert advice was given by historians and those who lived through the Blitz. The book also provides a bit of background on the time period and includes colorful illustrations of things like war posters, etc.Fans can see a re-creation of the house (with all the original furnishings) at the Imperial War Museum in London.

Purchased to replace my copy which has disappeared. Have also purchased a second copy as a gift. The book of the television series a few years ago. Nostalgic for me, and a great source of information for a 1940s play for which I am doing Wardrobe ! Would be great for a child to use for school lessons, good pictures, easy dialogue.

If you have no idea how families lived in 1940, not just coping with a war but in their everyday lives, this book takes you there. It tells of a modern day family who are sent to live in a house equipped exactly as in that period, and to lead as accurate a 1940's life as possible. The reader follows their progress and their problems, their delights and their complaints. Illustrated wonderfully in both colour and black and white, it is a must for any library. Both entertaining and educational. The photography is first class.

Good book. interesting story and believable characters. I enjoyed it a lot.

I loved the 1940s House when it first appeared on Television, then I bought the vhs to accompany it, and upgraded to the dvd. I have now bought this book which is really informative and well written

A really good and interesting book with plenty of pictures. Ideal inspiration for the ration book diet