THE WORLD OF UPSTAIRS, DOWNSTAIRS

Now that the Bellamys and Mr. 'udson's troops have achieved that supra-reality that only the Tube can bestow on an aristocrat of soaps, extensions into profitable print are inevitable. This one is a rapid race through major events, cultural developments, economic and social changes, and manners and mores from the Diamond Jubilee to 1930, when the Bellamys. . . but that's more there than here. Mingled with appetizing trivia (Mrs. Bridges' menu for the King; just why a gentleman takes hat and cane into a lady's drawing room when visiting) are offhand mentions of what's going on at the Bellamys' through the years, and most alarmingly, what will go on. By pub date, there should be no surprises. With over 150 illustrations, a handy compendium for those who, during Alistair Cooke's prefaces, are out in the larder chopping watercress.