R

Robertson Davies

Bestselling Author • 7 Series • 31 Books

7
Series
31
Books
7
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of The Cornish Trilogy Books
Start with: The Rebel Angels (1981)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of The Deptford Trilogy Books
Start with: Fifth Business (1970)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of The Salterton Trilogy Books
Start with: Tempest-Tost (1951)

About Robertson Davies

It is through Ramsay that the author introduces his obsession with Jungian archetypes and their significance in history. Ramsey is a great narrator who seems to be both observant and self-aware. While this is a work of fiction, the book highlights some of the horrors of world war I. The book also highlights how our lives are entwined with the people we meet in our life journeys, no matter how solitary and disconnected we feel. The main themes here include morality and religion, reality and illusion, and timeless lessons picked through life. Fifth Business is an intriguing story that comes with delightful prose, a lot of humor, and some good lessons on life. Through Ramsay, you will learn that life, just like a good play, comes with heroes, villains, and a diverse supporting cast. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of The Cornish Trilogy Books series, Robertson Davies has since expanded their repertoire to include numerous successful works across various genres. Their writing style, characterized by compelling narratives and memorable characters, has earned them a dedicated global readership with millions of fans worldwide.

📚 All Book Series by Robertson Davies

Publication Order of The Cornish Trilogy Books
3 books 1981–1988
1

The Rebel Angels

The Rebel Angels is an essential installment in the Publication Order of The Cornish Trilogy Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Robertson Davies have come to expect.

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1981
2

What's Bred in the Bone

What's Bred in the Bone is an essential installment in the Publication Order of The Cornish Trilogy Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Robertson Davies have come to expect.

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1985
3

The Lyre of Orpheus

The Lyre of Orpheus continues the Publication Order of The Cornish Trilogy Books story arc with Robertson Davies's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1988
Publication Order of The Deptford Trilogy Books
3 books 1970–1975
1

Fifth Business

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of The Deptford Trilogy Books with Fifth Business, another outstanding contribution from Robertson Davies.

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1970
2

The Manticore

The Manticore is an essential installment in the Publication Order of The Deptford Trilogy Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Robertson Davies have come to expect.

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1972
3

World of Wonders

World of Wonders continues the Publication Order of The Deptford Trilogy Books story arc with Robertson Davies's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1975
Publication Order of The Salterton Trilogy Books
3 books 1951–1958
1

Tempest-Tost

Tempest-Tost continues the Publication Order of The Salterton Trilogy Books story arc with Robertson Davies's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1951
2

Leaven of Malice

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of The Salterton Trilogy Books with Leaven of Malice, another outstanding contribution from Robertson Davies.

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1954
3

A Mixture of Frailties

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of The Salterton Trilogy Books with A Mixture of Frailties, another outstanding contribution from Robertson Davies.

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1958
Publication Order of Toronto Trilogy Books
2 books 1991–1994
1

Murther and Walking Spirits

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Toronto Trilogy Books with Murther and Walking Spirits, another outstanding contribution from Robertson Davies.

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1991
2

The Cunning Man

The Cunning Man continues the Publication Order of Toronto Trilogy Books story arc with Robertson Davies's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1994
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
2 books 1963–1970
1

A Masque of Mr. Punch

A Masque of Mr. Punch continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Robertson Davies's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1963
2

Stephen Leacock

Stephen Leacock continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Robertson Davies's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1970
Publication Order of Collections
9 books 1979–2015
1

The Enthusiasms of Robertson Davies

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with The Enthusiasms of Robertson Davies, another outstanding contribution from Robertson Davies.

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1979
2

High Spirits

High Spirits continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with Robertson Davies's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1982
3

At My Heart's CoreOverlaid

At My Heart's CoreOverlaid explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Collections series by Robertson Davies.

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1991
4

Fortune, My Foe and Eros at Breakfast

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with Fortune, My Foe and Eros at Breakfast, another outstanding contribution from Robertson Davies.

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1993
5

Hunting Stuart and The Voice of the People

Hunting Stuart and The Voice of the People continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with Robertson Davies's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1994
6

A Gathering of Ghost Stories

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with A Gathering of Ghost Stories, another outstanding contribution from Robertson Davies.

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1995
7

Modern Classics Selected Works On the Art of Writing

Modern Classics Selected Works On the Art of Writing continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with Robertson Davies's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2008
8

Selected Works on the Pleasures of Reading

Selected Works on the Pleasures of Reading continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with Robertson Davies's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2008
9

A Celtic Temperament: Robertson Davies as Diarist

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with A Celtic Temperament: Robertson Davies as Diarist, another outstanding contribution from Robertson Davies.

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2015
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
9 books 1960–2002
1

A Voice from the Attic

A Voice from the Attic continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Robertson Davies's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1960
2

One Half of Robertson Davies

One Half of Robertson Davies continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Robertson Davies's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1978
3

The Well-Tempered Critic

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with The Well-Tempered Critic, another outstanding contribution from Robertson Davies.

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1981
4

The Mirror of Nature

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with The Mirror of Nature, another outstanding contribution from Robertson Davies.

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1983
5

The Papers of Samuel Marchbanks

The Papers of Samuel Marchbanks is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Robertson Davies have come to expect.

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1985
6

The Merry Heart

The Merry Heart explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series by Robertson Davies.

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1996
7

For Your Eye Alone

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with For Your Eye Alone, another outstanding contribution from Robertson Davies.

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1999
8

Happy Alchemy

Happy Alchemy is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Robertson Davies have come to expect.

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1999
9

Robertson Davies Discoveries: Early Letters 1938-1975

Robertson Davies Discoveries: Early Letters 1938-1975 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Robertson Davies have come to expect.

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2002

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Robertson Davies?

Robertson Davies is a bestselling author known for 7 book series containing over 31 books. Popular series include Publication Order of The Cornish Trilogy Books, Publication Order of The Deptford Trilogy Books, Publication Order of The Salterton Trilogy Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Robertson Davies series to start with?

For readers new to Robertson Davies's work, the Publication Order of The Cornish Trilogy Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 3 books. Begin with The Rebel Angels to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Robertson Davies written?

Robertson Davies has written over 31 books across 7 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Robertson Davies books in order?

Yes, reading Robertson Davies's series in publication order is strongly recommended. Most series feature evolving character arcs, ongoing story threads, and references to earlier events that are most rewarding when experienced in sequence. Our complete reading order guides are listed above.

What genre does Robertson Davies write in?

Robertson Davies writes primarily in fiction. With 7 series across 31 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Robertson Davies's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Robertson Davies's books are part of ongoing series and deliver the most satisfying experience when read in order. However, several standalone novels and short story collections provide excellent entry points without requiring prior knowledge of other series.

What is Robertson Davies's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Robertson Davies's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of The Cornish Trilogy Books series. The first book, The Rebel Angels, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.