Robertson Davies (1913–1995) is widely regarded as one of Canada’s greatest novelists, a master of wit, Jungian psychology, myth, and the quirky undercurrents of small-town and academic life. His books blend highbrow literary flair with page-turning storytelling—think Charles Dickens meets Carl Jung with a dash of Canadian restraint.
Whether you’re a longtime admirer or discovering him for the first time (perhaps after hearing Margaret Atwood or Goodreads friends rave), reading Robertson Davies in the right order makes all the difference. Below is the definitive chronological list of his fiction, plus recommended reading sequences.
Why Read Robertson Davies in Publication Order?
Davies wrote three celebrated trilogies and a handful of standalone novels and short-story collections. While each book can stand alone, recurring themes, character types, and even subtle nods appear across his work. Reading in publication order lets you watch his style evolve from playful satire to profound philosophical inquiry.
List Of Robertson Davies Books In Order by Year
Discover the complete List of Robertson Davies Books in Order by Year, covering all his acclaimed novels, trilogies, and notable works. This guide helps readers explore Davies’ literary journey, plot themes, and publication timeline. Perfect for fans, students, and collectors wanting a clear reading order of his masterpieces, including the Deptford Trilogy, Cornish Trilogy, and more.
| # | Series/Trilogy | Book Title | Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Salterton Trilogy | Tempest-Tost | 1951 | Amateur theatre comedy – perfect gentle introduction |
| 2 | Salterton Trilogy | Leaven of Malice | 1954 | Fake engagement notice scandal; Leacock Medal winner |
| 3 | Salterton Trilogy | A Mixture of Frailties | 1958 | Aspiring singer escapes to Europe; many fans’ favorite in the trilogy |
| 4 | Deptford Trilogy | Fifth Business | 1970 | Davies’ masterpiece, the best and most popular starting point |
| 5 | Deptford Trilogy | The Manticore | 1972 | Jungian psychoanalysis in Zurich; Governor General’s Award winner |
| 6 | Deptford Trilogy | World of Wonders | 1975 | Magician Magnus Eisengrim’s life story: stunning conclusion |
| 7 | Cornish Trilogy | The Rebel Angels | 1981 | Professors, gypsies, and Rabelais; riotously funny |
| 8 | Cornish Trilogy | What’s Bred in the Bone | 1985 | Francis Cornish biography told by angels; Booker Prize shortlist |
| 9 | Cornish Trilogy | The Lyre of Orpheus | 1988 | Completing an unfinished opera; dazzling metafiction |
| 10 | Toronto Trilogy (unfinished) | Murther & Walking Spirits | 1991 | Ghostly film festival; posthumously published |
| 11 | Toronto Trilogy (unfinished) | The Cunning Man | 1994 | Memoirs of a holistic doctor; Davies’ final novel |
| 12 | Standalone / Short Stories | High Spirits | 1982 | Delightful Massey College ghost stories |
| 13 | Collection (non-fiction/humour) | The Papers of Samuel Marchbanks | 1985 | Omnibus of his newspaper columns (fiction-like) |
| 14 | Posthumous collection | The Merry Heart | 1996 | Essays, lectures, and unpublished pieces |
Robertson Davies Books In Order of Release
The Salterton Trilogy (1951–1958) – Davies’ Delightful Early Work
Light, witty, and set in the fictional provincial city of Salterton (modeled on Kingston, Ontario), this trilogy is the perfect entry point.
- Tempest-Tost (1951) An amateur theatre production of The Tempest exposes the vanities and passions of small-town Canada. Hilarious and gently biting—perfect for fans of Barbara Pym or Anthony Trollope.
- Leaven of Malice (1954) A fake engagement notice in the local newspaper unleashes chaos. Winner of the Stephen Leacock Award for Humour.
- A Mixture of Frailties (1958) A young woman escapes Salterton for musical training in London. The trilogy’s strongest and most moving installment.
The Deptford Trilogy (1970–1975) – His Masterpiece Begins
Arguably Davies’s finest achievement and one of the 20th century’s great trilogies. Starts with a snowball that changes three boys’ lives forever.
- Fifth Business (1970) ★ Most people’s favorite starting point, Dunstan Ramsay narrates his life of myth, saints, and guilt. Often called Canada’s Great Gatsby with magic realism, in In
- The Manticore (1972), David Staunton undergoes Jungian analysis in Switzerland. Deeply psychological and surprisingly gripping.
- World of Wonders (1975) Magnus Eisengrim, the magician, tells his astonishing life story. Ties the trilogy together with fireworks.
The Cornish Trilogy (1981–1988) – Art, Forgery, and the Canadian Soul
Loosely connected novels revolving around the estate of art patron Francis Cornish.
- The Rebel Angels (1981:) Rabelaisian professors, gypsies, and a murder mystery at a Toronto university. Pure joy.
- What’s Bred in the Bone (1985) The life of Francis Cornish, told by his daemon and the Angel of Biography. Shortlisted for the Booker Prize.
- The Lyre of Orpheus (1988) A doctoral student attempts to complete an unfinished opera by E.T.A. Hoffmann. Metafiction at its finest.
The Toronto Trilogy (unfinished) – Published Posthumously
Davies died while working on the third volume.
- Murther and Walking Spirits (1991) A murdered man attends a film festival hosted by his ancestor’s ghosts. Strange and wonderful.
- The Cunning Man (1994) The memoirs of Dr. Jonathan Hullah, a holistic physician in Toronto. Warm, wise, and funny.
Standalone Novel & Short Stories
- The Papers of Samuel Marchbanks (1985) – Omnibus of his humorous newspaper columns
- High Spirits (1982) – Delightful ghost stories originally written for Massey College Gaels Night
- The Merry Heart (1996) – Posthumous collection of essays and lectures
Recommended Reading Orders
For First-Time Readers (Most Popular Path)
- Start with Fifth Business – It’s his most accessible masterpiece.
- Finish the Deptford Trilogy.
- Move to the Salterton Trilogy (lighter, earlier style).
- Then the Cornish Trilogy.
- End with the Toronto books and short stories.
Strict Publication Order (How Davies Intended)
Salterton → Deptford → Cornish → Toronto books
“Deep Dive” Order (Thematic Connections)
- All the “scholar/gossip/academic” books: Salterton Trilogy + Rebel Angels + The Cunning Man
- The “myth and Jung” heavy hitters: Deptford Trilogy + What’s Bred in the Bone
Where to Buy Robertson Davies Books Today
Most of his works are available in handsome Penguin Modern Classics editions. Used bookstores often have the lovely old Macmillan of Canada hardcovers with the iconic red spines.
Ebook fans: Almost everything is on Kindle/Kobo, and many libraries carry the trilogies via OverDrive or Hoopla.
Final Thought
Few authors reward re-reading like Robertson Davies. His books grow richer with age—perfect for readers who love Anthony Powell, Iris Murdoch, or John Irving at his most philosophical.
Ready to begin? Pick up Fifth Business tonight. You’ll thank yourself when you’re laughing out loud on page 20 and quietly weeping by the final chapter.
Happy reading—may your inner Dunstan Ramsay find his Fifth Business! 📚
Which Robertson Davies book is your favorite? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear!