Product Description

One of Canadian author Robertson Davies’ most dazzling achievements, ‘The Cornish Trilogy’ explores the life and influence of eccentric art patron Francis Cornish and comprises ‘The Rebel Angels’, ‘What’s Bred in the Bone’ (shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 1986) and ‘The Lyre of Orpheus’. Woven around the pursuits of the energetic spirits and erudite scholars of the University of St John and the Holy Ghost, the trilogy lures the reader into a world of mysticism, historical allusion and gothic fantasy. It is densely plotted, highly entertaining and fuses themes of religion, love, art and music in a glorious celebration of humanism. ‘… the kind of writer who makes you want to nag your friends until they read him so that they share the pleasure’ Observer.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #26022 in Books
• Published on: 1991-06-27
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 1152 pages

Customer Reviews

Save the best till last
I discovered Rebel Angels;first part of the trilogy by chance. What an amazing piece of fate. It was truly marvellous. What's bred in the bone was nominated for the Booker and just got better. By the Lyre of Orpheus I was transfixed. The mixture of fact, myth & legend is unique.

These books are each terrific good reads. They made me change the way I looked on life in a genuine and deep way. They are erudite and complex with feelings that far transend the populist "feel good trashy", "Alchemist" type novels. I even quoted one at a family funeral.

Truly RB was a great writer but having read all his books for me the Cornish trilogy is his most poignant and touching. Yes, he did save the best till last.

Definitely in my Top 2 books ever
Francis Cornish is a mysterious millionaire spy, art-collector, forger and academic around whose life this trilogy is woven. Although the context of the novels is academic, it's a very funny, intrigue-filled and fascinating book. After putting down this trilogy (which was difficult, in spite of its bulk)I felt more informed and entertained than I would have thought possible. The characters are all beautifully drawn, almost Dickensian in their richness. I love it. Who's got my copy?

But is it art?
Davies's Cornish trilogy should be read by anyone with an interest in the philosophy of art -- questions of attribution, forgery and fakery, and authenticity pervade all three novels, which deal with literature, painting and music respectively. Art in general, and art objects in particular, take on a shadowy, slippery aspect in spite of the very palpable (and almost erotically desirable) qualities they have for Davies's characters. Aesthetic and spiritual experience are intertwined. But the style, while elevated, is never dry or preachy -- the characters are rounded and often delightfully vulgar and even the most intellectual threads of the story are brimming with life and humour.