Cover of The Rebel Angels
Series

The Cornish Trilogy

3 books

The Cornish Trilogy series by Robertson Davies has 3 books. Start with The Rebel Angels (1981), then read the rest in the order below.

The Cornish Trilogy reading order

1
Cover of The Rebel Angels

The Rebel Angels

Robertson Davies

In the wake of a wealthy patron's death, a complex will ignites a series of unexpected events, drawing together a disparate group of individuals. A young student finds her academic and personal life entangled with mysterious forces, while an ex-monk with a troubled past re-emerges, setting the stage for a dramatic unfolding of secrets. This novel delves into themes of art, spirituality, and the hidden desires that drive human nature, all within the distinctive narrative voice of Robertson Davies. Prepare for a witty and insightful exploration of the unconventional and the profound.

Literary FictionContemporary FictionSatire
2

What's Bred in the Bone

Robertson Davies

What's Bred in the Bone

Robertson Davies

This novel, the second in Robertson Davies's acclaimed Cornish Trilogy, delves into the enigmatic life of Francis Cornish, a renowned art collector and gifted painter. Narrated by two celestial beings, the story unfolds as a captivating exploration of identity, self-discovery, and the profound influence of art. Through a rich tapestry woven with mythology, fable, religion, and astrology, Davies crafts a compelling narrative that questions the very nature of creation and the human spirit. It's a profound journey into the mind of an artist and the mysteries that shape a life.

Literary FictionComing of AgeSatire
3

The Lyre of Orpheus

Robertson Davies

The Lyre of Orpheus

Robertson Davies

In this captivating novel, the third installment of the acclaimed Cornish trilogy, Robertson Davies delves into the enigmatic world of artistic creation and deception. The narrative unfolds through two intertwined plotlines: the ambitious production of an unfinished opera attributed to the visionary E.T.A. Hoffmann, and the startling revelation of a celebrated art collector's audacious forgery. Davies masterfully explores the profound mysteries of art, ambition, and the very essence of genius, weaving a rich tapestry of intellectual intrigue and human folly. This fable-like story invites readers to ponder the nature of authenticity and the enduring power of creative expression.

Literary FictionContemporary Fiction