Picture a Canadian storyteller who spun tales of mythology, psychology, and human quirks into literary gold—meet Robertson Davies! With his sharp wit and boundless imagination, Davies crafted novels like The Deptford Trilogy that still captivate readers. His stories blend intellectual depth with a playful charm, making him a towering figure in Canadian literature.
Born in a small Ontario town, Davies grew into a master of storytelling, weaving intricate narratives that explore the human condition. From novels to plays, his work invites readers into worlds where fate, art, and psyche collide.
The Making of Robertson Davies
William Robertson Davies was born on August 28, 1913, in Thamesville, Ontario, to a family steeped in journalism and culture. His father, a newspaper publisher, sparked his love for words early on. Educated at Queen’s University and Oxford, Davies honed his intellect and theatrical flair, dabbling in acting and journalism before turning to writing. His time at Oxford, immersed in literature and Jungian psychology, shaped his fascination with the inner lives of characters, a hallmark of his later work.
Back in Canada, Davies juggled roles as a journalist, playwright, and editor, all while laying the groundwork for his literary career. His early plays and essays revealed a knack for blending humor with profound insights, setting the stage for his novels.
Robertson Davies’s Unforgettable Stories
Davies’s novels are like a rich tapestry, weaving mythology, psychology, and small-town Canadian life. His breakout, The Deptford Trilogy (Fifth Business, The Manticore, World of Wonders), follows interconnected lives touched by a single snowball’s throw, exploring fate, guilt, and self-discovery. Critics hailed its intricate plotting and Jungian depth, cementing Davies’s reputation.
The Cornish Trilogy (The Rebel Angels, What’s Bred in the Bone, The Lyre of Orpheus) dives into art, academia, and mysticism, with characters grappling with their destinies. Davies’s style—erudite yet accessible, witty yet profound—makes his books both thought-provoking and delightful. His lesser-known Tempest-Tost, part of The Salterton Trilogy, showcases his playful take on community theater and human vanity.
His writing often draws on archetypes and folklore, reflecting his love for storytelling traditions. Whether exploring a magician’s rise or a scholar’s secrets, Davies’s narratives pulse with universal themes, wrapped in a distinctly Canadian sensibility.
Why Robertson Davies Matters
Davies didn’t just write books; he shaped Canadian literature’s identity. As a founding master of Massey College at the University of Toronto, he fostered intellectual community, leaving a legacy in education. His novels, blending high ideas with human stories, inspired writers to embrace ambitious, genre-defying narratives. Today, readers worldwide cherish his work for its wit, wisdom, and timeless exploration of what it means to be human.
His influence lingers in literary circles, with adaptations like the 2016 film of Fifth Business introducing his stories to new audiences. Davies proved Canadian literature could be bold, universal, and deeply personal.
About Robertson Davies
- Born: August 28, 1913, Thamesville, Ontario
- Key Works: The Deptford Trilogy, The Cornish Trilogy, The Salterton Trilogy
- Awards: Governor General’s Literary Award (1972 for The Manticore)
- Fun Fact: Davies was a passionate collector of rare books and an avid theater enthusiast.
Ready to dive into a world of myth and mischief? Snag Fifth Business and discover Robertson Davies’s storytelling magic!