Date of Birth: August 28, 1913
Zodiac Sign: Virgo
Date of Death: December 2, 1995
Biography
William Robertson Davies was a renowned Canadian novelist, playwright, critic, journalist, and professor. Born on August 28, 1913, in Thamesville, Ontario, Davies became one of Canada’s most distinguished and versatile literary figures. He studied at Upper Canada College, Queen’s University, and Balliol College, Oxford, where he was immersed in the literary and theatrical traditions that would shape his future works. Davies began his career in journalism, but his passion for literature soon led him to write novels, plays, and essays. He is best known for his trilogies, including the “Deptford Trilogy,” the “Salterton Trilogy,” and the “Cornish Trilogy,” which explore themes of personal identity, spirituality, and the complexities of human relationships. His works are often characterized by their wit, erudition, and exploration of the mystical and metaphysical aspects of life. In addition to his writing, Davies was a founding master of Massey College at the University of Toronto, where he influenced generations of students and writers. He received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Governor General’s Award for Fiction and the Order of Canada.
5 Interesting Facts about Robertson Davies
1. Robertson Davies was the first Canadian to become an Honorary Member of the American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters.
2. He was a passionate book collector and amassed a significant personal library over his lifetime.
3. Davies was not only a novelist but also wrote successful plays, such as “Eros at Breakfast,” which was well-received in London.
4. He served as the editor of the Peterborough Examiner, a newspaper owned by his family, for over 20 years.
5. His novel “Fifth Business” is often cited as one of the greatest works of Canadian literature and is a staple in Canadian high school curricula.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Robertson Davies
1. “The eye sees only what the mind is prepared to comprehend.”
2. “Extraordinary people survive under the most terrible circumstances and they become more extraordinary because of it.”
3. “A happy childhood has spoiled many a promising life.”
4. “The world is full of people whose notion of a satisfactory future is, in fact, a return to the idealized past.”
5. “Fanaticism is overcompensation for doubt.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the height of his career, Robertson Davies’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million.
Children
Robertson Davies and his wife, Brenda Mathews, had three daughters: Miranda, Rosamond, and Jennifer.
Relevant Links
1. [Robertson Davies – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robertson_Davies
4. [Goodreads – Robertson Davies](https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/11284.Robertson_Davies
5. [Famous Authors – Robertson Davies](https://www.famousauthors.org/robertson-davies
