Robertson Davies

William Robertson Davies (1913-1995) was a prominent Canadian novelist, playwright, critic, and journalist, widely recognized as one of Canada's most distinguished men of letters. His early life, marked by a love for books and theatre, provided rich material for his later works. Davies studied at Queen's University and Oxford, where he earned a BLitt and began an acting career. He returned to Canada to work in journalism, eventually becoming editor and publisher of The Peterborough Examiner. During this period, he also published numerous books, including humorous essays under the pseudonym Samuel Marchbanks and his early novels that explored Canadian cultural life. Davies was instrumental in establishing the Stratford Shakespearean Festival and taught literature at Trinity College, University of Toronto, where he also served as Master of Massey College. His later novels, such as the Deptford Trilogy and the Cornish Trilogy, gained international acclaim, often incorporating Jungian psychology, myth, and magic. Davies's literary output was extensive, earning him numerous awards and solidifying his reputation as a major literary figure.

Born in Ontario, Robertson Davies grew up in a household filled with books and lively conversation, influenced by his voracious reader parents. His early involvement in theatrical productions sparked a lifelong passion for drama. He attended Upper Canada College and later Queen's University, where he wrote for the student newspaper. Davies pursued further studies at Balliol College, Oxford, earning a BLitt and publishing his thesis on Shakespeare's boy actors. His time in England included a brief acting career and work with the Old Vic Repertory Company. He married Brenda Mathews, whom he met at Oxford, and their early life together provided recurring themes in his writing, particularly the experience of Canadians studying abroad and the world of theatre.

Upon returning to Canada in 1940, Davies became the literary editor of Saturday Night magazine before taking over as editor of The Peterborough Examiner in 1942. This period proved highly productive; he published eighteen books, including plays and humorous essays under the pen name Samuel Marchbanks. His early novels, known as The Salterton Trilogy, delved into the challenges of sustaining cultural life in Canada and the experiences of small-town journalism. Davies also played a significant role in founding the Stratford Shakespearean Festival of Canada, contributing to its early publications.

Davies joined the faculty of Trinity College at the University of Toronto in 1960, teaching literature until 1981. He also served as the founding Master of Massey College, a graduate residential college associated with the university. During his tenure, he initiated the tradition of telling ghost stories at Christmas, which were later published. His novels began to incorporate themes from Jungian psychology, myth, and magic, most notably in the acclaimed Deptford Trilogy (Fifth Business, The Manticore, World of Wonders). These works explored the interplay of spirit, archetype, and the human psyche, reflecting Davies's belief in the power of the spiritual over the material.

In his later years, Davies continued to produce acclaimed novels, including The Cornish Trilogy (The Rebel Angels, What's Bred in the Bone, The Lyre of Orpheus). His work consistently explored complex psychological and philosophical themes, blending seriousness with humour and fantasy. Davies also wrote the libretto for an opera, The Golden Ass. His literary contributions were recognized with numerous awards, including the Stephen Leacock Award for Humour and the Governor-General's Literary Award. The Times noted his ability to combine deep psychological inquiry with fantasy and mirth, and he maintained close friendships with notable figures like John Kenneth Galbraith and John Irving, and supported Salman Rushdie.