The trilogy consists of Fifth Business (1970), The Manticore (1972), and World of Wonders (1975). The series revolves around a simple act—a young boy throws a snowball at another, but it misses its intended target—and the effect this act has on a number of characters.
The Deptford Trilogy has won praise for its narrative voice and its use of character. Fifth Business, in particular, is considered one of Davies' best novels.
The trilogy takes its name from the fictional small village of Deptford, Ontario, based on Davies' native Thamesville. Davies takes a different viewpoint in each of the novels, and approaches each in a different style. The sometimes eerie tone and unconventional literary devices have evoked some to identify the series as a precursor to slipstream fiction.
The main characters of the series have come by twisting paths from their simple village—and each carries a secret that crosses the lives of the others and drives the plot forward. The greatest secret is one that the reader is not even aware of until the close of the last book, but which finally answers questions about the relationships among several major characters.
From the mid-16th to the late 19th century, Deptford was home to Deptford Dockyard, the first Royal Navy Dockyard. The area declined as the Royal Navy moved out and commercial docks shut; the last dock, Convoys Wharf, closed in 2000.
Deptford began life as a ford of the Ravensbourne (near what is now Deptford Bridge DLR station) along the route of the Celtic trackway which was later paved by the Romans and developed into the medieval Watling Street. The modern name is a corruption of "deep ford". Deptford was part of the pilgrimage route from London to Canterbury used by the pilgrims in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, and is mentioned in the Prologue to the "Reeve's Tale". The ford developed into first a wooden then a stone bridge, and in 1497 saw the Battle of Deptford Bridge, in which rebels from Cornwall, led by Michael An Gof, marched on London protesting against punitive taxes, but were soundly beaten by the King's forces.
Deptford Township is a township in Gloucester County, New Jersey, in the United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the township's population was 30,561, reflecting an increase of 3,798 (+14.2%) from the 26,763 counted in the 2000 Census, which had in turn increased by 2,626 (+10.9%) from the 24,137 counted in the 1990 Census.
Deptford was first formed on June 1, 1695, at which time it was known as Bethlehem. It was incorporated as a township by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on February 21, 1798. Over the centuries, portions of the township were taken to create Washington Township (February 17, 1836), Woodbury Borough (March 27, 1854; now Woodbury City), West Deptford Township (March 1, 1871), Wenonah (March 10, 1883), Westville (April 7, 1914) and Woodbury Heights (April 6, 1915).
Deptford is a suburb of Philadelphia, located on the eastern side of the Walt Whitman Bridge, one conduit which joins southern New Jersey with Philadelphia. It is located 10 miles (16km) southeast of Philadelphia and 50 miles (80km) northwest of Atlantic City.
Based in the early 20th century, Dunstan Ramsay (Cullen) grows up in rural Ontario, in a small town called Deptford. He grows up with his lifelong friend and enemy, Boy Staunton (Laaper). His home life spins out of control and Ramsay decides to serve in the army as World War I breaks out. After returning home, Dunstan becomes a changed man who is on a sacred quest to discover lost saints to satisfy his newly developed passion for hagiology. This is a story full of joy, tragedy and comedy as Dunstan fulfills his destined archetype of being Fifth Business.
This trailer is designed in order to interest folk in reading the amazing piece of literature known as Fifth Business by Robertson Davies. Please do, it is quite the read!
Bloopers: http://youtu.be/kYJHhJdKYu0
Produced for an AP English...
published: 07 Jun 2012
Shawn the Book Maniac reviews Fifth Business by Robertson Davies
Shawn the Book Maniac reviews Fifth Business by Robertson Davies
A Wee 2020 Reading Plan: In Which My Husband Puts Me On To A Shelf: https://youtu.be/Km3ZriiynRI
Fifth Business (The Deptford Trilogy #1) - Robertson Davies
The Deptford Trilogy: Fifth Business/The Manticore/World of Wonders - Robertson Davies: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/74403.The_Deptford_Trilogy?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=yTQThCW3XI&rank=4
I'm @shawnmooney on Litsy and on Twitter.
I’m shawnthebookmaniac on Instagram.
My Goodreads is https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/50408211-shawn-mooney
published: 24 Feb 2021
Howe Rapid Reviews: Robertson Davies (spoilers)
Jared highlights the Salterton Trilogy, The Deptford Trilogy, and The Cornish Trilogy by the Canadian author Robertson Davies. This review contains a spoiler regarding the plot of the Deptford Trilogy.
published: 14 May 2020
The Final Reckoning by Robin Jarvis (Book Three of The Deptford Mice) Abridged Audiobook
The Final Reckoning is a dark fantasy novel featuring anthropomorphic animals by British author Robin Jarvis. It is the third book in The Deptford Mice trilogy, and continues the story of the young house mouse Audrey and her friends as they attempt to banish the spirit of the evil cat Jupiter once and for all.
Narrated by Jon Pertwee and released in 1995 on cassette tape. It has never been made available on any digital services like Audible, and is being shared here by a fan in order to preserve it, but if it must be taken down I will certainly do so. To support the author, please consider purchasing the e-book edition available at Amazon:
UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Final-Reckoning-Deptford-Mice-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00RY0L30K
US - https://www.amazon.com/Final-Reckoning-Deptford-Mice-Trilo...
published: 13 Apr 2021
The Oaken Throne by Robin Jarvis (Book Two of The Deptford Histories) Abridged Audiobook
The Oaken Throne is a dark fantasy novel featuring anthropomorphic animals by British author Robin Jarvis. It is the second book in The Deptford Histories trilogy, a series of prequels to Jarvis's Deptford Mice books. It explains the long ago conflict between the squirrels and the bats, and also delves into the history of the dynasty of Starwives. However, this is not the backstory of the Starwife who appears in The Deptford Mice trilogy, but rather one of her predecessors.
It is a time of magic and a time of darkness. The Starwife, leader of the black squirrels, lies dying, betrayed and poisoned. But as the bat army launches a devastating attack on her realm, she staggers to a window and summons aid. These terrible events are to draw Vesper, the young bat, and Ysabelle, the squirrel maid...
Based in the early 20th century, Dunstan Ramsay (Cullen) grows up in rural Ontario, in a small town called Deptford. He grows up with his lifelong friend and en...
Based in the early 20th century, Dunstan Ramsay (Cullen) grows up in rural Ontario, in a small town called Deptford. He grows up with his lifelong friend and enemy, Boy Staunton (Laaper). His home life spins out of control and Ramsay decides to serve in the army as World War I breaks out. After returning home, Dunstan becomes a changed man who is on a sacred quest to discover lost saints to satisfy his newly developed passion for hagiology. This is a story full of joy, tragedy and comedy as Dunstan fulfills his destined archetype of being Fifth Business.
This trailer is designed in order to interest folk in reading the amazing piece of literature known as Fifth Business by Robertson Davies. Please do, it is quite the read!
Bloopers: http://youtu.be/kYJHhJdKYu0
Produced for an AP English Class. Many inside jokes were made in this film. Each annotation that says "Inside Joke #x" shall be explained below:
Inside joke #1: In the novel, Liesl attacks Dunstan in the night and they eventually have a one-night stand. Not being a crude fellow, I referred to this event as a "rough time" in my English class. It cracked up our instructor every time.
Inside joke #2: When Dunstan says she wasn't sure if she was a girl or not, that wasn't said in the book. When we were doing a section on poetry, there was a poem about this young girl named Janet. Someone in the class inquired, "How old is Janet?" I immediately said without thinking, "I think she's a girl." What I mean was, "I think she's a young girl." However, it was quite funny and we always make references to my stupid remark.
Inside joke #3: After Boy was killed, there was much speculation by the class on who performed the deed. Logically all would point to Eisengrim, for Boy destroyed his childhood. However, some said that Denyse, Boy's second wife, had a hand in the plot. Furthermore, others said that Joel Surgeoner was hypnotized by Eisengrim and through the power of suggestion, made to perform the deed. Denyse and Joel obviously had no part in the death, but they were funny theories. By having all three of these characters high-five after his car goes into the river, we pay tribute to this joke.
Extra credits:
Music: Hans Zimmer, from the film Inception - "Time"
Car footage: From the film Unknown.
Star background: From youtuber Mockmoon2000, video: "Winter Stars"
Based in the early 20th century, Dunstan Ramsay (Cullen) grows up in rural Ontario, in a small town called Deptford. He grows up with his lifelong friend and enemy, Boy Staunton (Laaper). His home life spins out of control and Ramsay decides to serve in the army as World War I breaks out. After returning home, Dunstan becomes a changed man who is on a sacred quest to discover lost saints to satisfy his newly developed passion for hagiology. This is a story full of joy, tragedy and comedy as Dunstan fulfills his destined archetype of being Fifth Business.
This trailer is designed in order to interest folk in reading the amazing piece of literature known as Fifth Business by Robertson Davies. Please do, it is quite the read!
Bloopers: http://youtu.be/kYJHhJdKYu0
Produced for an AP English Class. Many inside jokes were made in this film. Each annotation that says "Inside Joke #x" shall be explained below:
Inside joke #1: In the novel, Liesl attacks Dunstan in the night and they eventually have a one-night stand. Not being a crude fellow, I referred to this event as a "rough time" in my English class. It cracked up our instructor every time.
Inside joke #2: When Dunstan says she wasn't sure if she was a girl or not, that wasn't said in the book. When we were doing a section on poetry, there was a poem about this young girl named Janet. Someone in the class inquired, "How old is Janet?" I immediately said without thinking, "I think she's a girl." What I mean was, "I think she's a young girl." However, it was quite funny and we always make references to my stupid remark.
Inside joke #3: After Boy was killed, there was much speculation by the class on who performed the deed. Logically all would point to Eisengrim, for Boy destroyed his childhood. However, some said that Denyse, Boy's second wife, had a hand in the plot. Furthermore, others said that Joel Surgeoner was hypnotized by Eisengrim and through the power of suggestion, made to perform the deed. Denyse and Joel obviously had no part in the death, but they were funny theories. By having all three of these characters high-five after his car goes into the river, we pay tribute to this joke.
Extra credits:
Music: Hans Zimmer, from the film Inception - "Time"
Car footage: From the film Unknown.
Star background: From youtuber Mockmoon2000, video: "Winter Stars"
Shawn the Book Maniac reviews Fifth Business by Robertson Davies
A Wee 2020 Reading Plan: In Which My Husband Puts Me On To A Shelf: https://youtu.be/Km3Zriiy...
Shawn the Book Maniac reviews Fifth Business by Robertson Davies
A Wee 2020 Reading Plan: In Which My Husband Puts Me On To A Shelf: https://youtu.be/Km3ZriiynRI
Fifth Business (The Deptford Trilogy #1) - Robertson Davies
The Deptford Trilogy: Fifth Business/The Manticore/World of Wonders - Robertson Davies: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/74403.The_Deptford_Trilogy?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=yTQThCW3XI&rank=4
I'm @shawnmooney on Litsy and on Twitter.
I’m shawnthebookmaniac on Instagram.
My Goodreads is https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/50408211-shawn-mooney
Shawn the Book Maniac reviews Fifth Business by Robertson Davies
A Wee 2020 Reading Plan: In Which My Husband Puts Me On To A Shelf: https://youtu.be/Km3ZriiynRI
Fifth Business (The Deptford Trilogy #1) - Robertson Davies
The Deptford Trilogy: Fifth Business/The Manticore/World of Wonders - Robertson Davies: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/74403.The_Deptford_Trilogy?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=yTQThCW3XI&rank=4
I'm @shawnmooney on Litsy and on Twitter.
I’m shawnthebookmaniac on Instagram.
My Goodreads is https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/50408211-shawn-mooney
Jared highlights the Salterton Trilogy, The Deptford Trilogy, and The Cornish Trilogy by the Canadian author Robertson Davies. This review contains a spoiler r...
Jared highlights the Salterton Trilogy, The Deptford Trilogy, and The Cornish Trilogy by the Canadian author Robertson Davies. This review contains a spoiler regarding the plot of the Deptford Trilogy.
Jared highlights the Salterton Trilogy, The Deptford Trilogy, and The Cornish Trilogy by the Canadian author Robertson Davies. This review contains a spoiler regarding the plot of the Deptford Trilogy.
The Final Reckoning is a dark fantasy novel featuring anthropomorphic animals by British author Robin Jarvis. It is the third book in The Deptford Mice trilogy,...
The Final Reckoning is a dark fantasy novel featuring anthropomorphic animals by British author Robin Jarvis. It is the third book in The Deptford Mice trilogy, and continues the story of the young house mouse Audrey and her friends as they attempt to banish the spirit of the evil cat Jupiter once and for all.
Narrated by Jon Pertwee and released in 1995 on cassette tape. It has never been made available on any digital services like Audible, and is being shared here by a fan in order to preserve it, but if it must be taken down I will certainly do so. To support the author, please consider purchasing the e-book edition available at Amazon:
UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Final-Reckoning-Deptford-Mice-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00RY0L30K
US - https://www.amazon.com/Final-Reckoning-Deptford-Mice-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00RY0L30K
An unabridged audio version of The Final Reckoning can be purchased (or obtained for free with a trial) by following the link below:
https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Final-Reckoning-Audiobook/B002V1OERQ
The Final Reckoning is a dark fantasy novel featuring anthropomorphic animals by British author Robin Jarvis. It is the third book in The Deptford Mice trilogy, and continues the story of the young house mouse Audrey and her friends as they attempt to banish the spirit of the evil cat Jupiter once and for all.
Narrated by Jon Pertwee and released in 1995 on cassette tape. It has never been made available on any digital services like Audible, and is being shared here by a fan in order to preserve it, but if it must be taken down I will certainly do so. To support the author, please consider purchasing the e-book edition available at Amazon:
UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Final-Reckoning-Deptford-Mice-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00RY0L30K
US - https://www.amazon.com/Final-Reckoning-Deptford-Mice-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00RY0L30K
An unabridged audio version of The Final Reckoning can be purchased (or obtained for free with a trial) by following the link below:
https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Final-Reckoning-Audiobook/B002V1OERQ
The Oaken Throne is a dark fantasy novel featuring anthropomorphic animals by British author Robin Jarvis. It is the second book in The Deptford Histories trilo...
The Oaken Throne is a dark fantasy novel featuring anthropomorphic animals by British author Robin Jarvis. It is the second book in The Deptford Histories trilogy, a series of prequels to Jarvis's Deptford Mice books. It explains the long ago conflict between the squirrels and the bats, and also delves into the history of the dynasty of Starwives. However, this is not the backstory of the Starwife who appears in The Deptford Mice trilogy, but rather one of her predecessors.
It is a time of magic and a time of darkness. The Starwife, leader of the black squirrels, lies dying, betrayed and poisoned. But as the bat army launches a devastating attack on her realm, she staggers to a window and summons aid. These terrible events are to draw Vesper, the young bat, and Ysabelle, the squirrel maiden, into taking a fearsome journey – in a desperate attempt to save their lands from destruction.
Narrated by Fiona Shaw and released in 2002 on cassette tape. This audiobook is so scarce that secondhand copies are almost impossible to find, and it has never been made available on any digital services like Audible. It is being shared here by a fan in order to preserve it. To support the author, please consider purchasing the new editions of The Deptford Mice trilogy on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dark-Portal-Book-Deptford-Mice/dp/1782694366/
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Crystal-Prison-Book-Deptford-Mice/dp/178269434X/
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Final-Reckoning-Book-Three-Deptford/dp/1782694382/
Unabridged audio versions of The Deptford Mice trilogy can be purchased (or obtained for free with a trial) by following the links below:
https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Dark-Portal-Audiobook/B002V8N0W4
https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Crystal-Prison-Audiobook/B002V1JTAS
https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Final-Reckoning-Audiobook/B002V1OERQ
The Oaken Throne is a dark fantasy novel featuring anthropomorphic animals by British author Robin Jarvis. It is the second book in The Deptford Histories trilogy, a series of prequels to Jarvis's Deptford Mice books. It explains the long ago conflict between the squirrels and the bats, and also delves into the history of the dynasty of Starwives. However, this is not the backstory of the Starwife who appears in The Deptford Mice trilogy, but rather one of her predecessors.
It is a time of magic and a time of darkness. The Starwife, leader of the black squirrels, lies dying, betrayed and poisoned. But as the bat army launches a devastating attack on her realm, she staggers to a window and summons aid. These terrible events are to draw Vesper, the young bat, and Ysabelle, the squirrel maiden, into taking a fearsome journey – in a desperate attempt to save their lands from destruction.
Narrated by Fiona Shaw and released in 2002 on cassette tape. This audiobook is so scarce that secondhand copies are almost impossible to find, and it has never been made available on any digital services like Audible. It is being shared here by a fan in order to preserve it. To support the author, please consider purchasing the new editions of The Deptford Mice trilogy on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dark-Portal-Book-Deptford-Mice/dp/1782694366/
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Crystal-Prison-Book-Deptford-Mice/dp/178269434X/
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Final-Reckoning-Book-Three-Deptford/dp/1782694382/
Unabridged audio versions of The Deptford Mice trilogy can be purchased (or obtained for free with a trial) by following the links below:
https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Dark-Portal-Audiobook/B002V8N0W4
https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Crystal-Prison-Audiobook/B002V1JTAS
https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Final-Reckoning-Audiobook/B002V1OERQ
Based in the early 20th century, Dunstan Ramsay (Cullen) grows up in rural Ontario, in a small town called Deptford. He grows up with his lifelong friend and enemy, Boy Staunton (Laaper). His home life spins out of control and Ramsay decides to serve in the army as World War I breaks out. After returning home, Dunstan becomes a changed man who is on a sacred quest to discover lost saints to satisfy his newly developed passion for hagiology. This is a story full of joy, tragedy and comedy as Dunstan fulfills his destined archetype of being Fifth Business.
This trailer is designed in order to interest folk in reading the amazing piece of literature known as Fifth Business by Robertson Davies. Please do, it is quite the read!
Bloopers: http://youtu.be/kYJHhJdKYu0
Produced for an AP English Class. Many inside jokes were made in this film. Each annotation that says "Inside Joke #x" shall be explained below:
Inside joke #1: In the novel, Liesl attacks Dunstan in the night and they eventually have a one-night stand. Not being a crude fellow, I referred to this event as a "rough time" in my English class. It cracked up our instructor every time.
Inside joke #2: When Dunstan says she wasn't sure if she was a girl or not, that wasn't said in the book. When we were doing a section on poetry, there was a poem about this young girl named Janet. Someone in the class inquired, "How old is Janet?" I immediately said without thinking, "I think she's a girl." What I mean was, "I think she's a young girl." However, it was quite funny and we always make references to my stupid remark.
Inside joke #3: After Boy was killed, there was much speculation by the class on who performed the deed. Logically all would point to Eisengrim, for Boy destroyed his childhood. However, some said that Denyse, Boy's second wife, had a hand in the plot. Furthermore, others said that Joel Surgeoner was hypnotized by Eisengrim and through the power of suggestion, made to perform the deed. Denyse and Joel obviously had no part in the death, but they were funny theories. By having all three of these characters high-five after his car goes into the river, we pay tribute to this joke.
Extra credits:
Music: Hans Zimmer, from the film Inception - "Time"
Car footage: From the film Unknown.
Star background: From youtuber Mockmoon2000, video: "Winter Stars"
Shawn the Book Maniac reviews Fifth Business by Robertson Davies
A Wee 2020 Reading Plan: In Which My Husband Puts Me On To A Shelf: https://youtu.be/Km3ZriiynRI
Fifth Business (The Deptford Trilogy #1) - Robertson Davies
The Deptford Trilogy: Fifth Business/The Manticore/World of Wonders - Robertson Davies: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/74403.The_Deptford_Trilogy?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=yTQThCW3XI&rank=4
I'm @shawnmooney on Litsy and on Twitter.
I’m shawnthebookmaniac on Instagram.
My Goodreads is https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/50408211-shawn-mooney
Jared highlights the Salterton Trilogy, The Deptford Trilogy, and The Cornish Trilogy by the Canadian author Robertson Davies. This review contains a spoiler regarding the plot of the Deptford Trilogy.
The Final Reckoning is a dark fantasy novel featuring anthropomorphic animals by British author Robin Jarvis. It is the third book in The Deptford Mice trilogy, and continues the story of the young house mouse Audrey and her friends as they attempt to banish the spirit of the evil cat Jupiter once and for all.
Narrated by Jon Pertwee and released in 1995 on cassette tape. It has never been made available on any digital services like Audible, and is being shared here by a fan in order to preserve it, but if it must be taken down I will certainly do so. To support the author, please consider purchasing the e-book edition available at Amazon:
UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Final-Reckoning-Deptford-Mice-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00RY0L30K
US - https://www.amazon.com/Final-Reckoning-Deptford-Mice-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00RY0L30K
An unabridged audio version of The Final Reckoning can be purchased (or obtained for free with a trial) by following the link below:
https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Final-Reckoning-Audiobook/B002V1OERQ
The Oaken Throne is a dark fantasy novel featuring anthropomorphic animals by British author Robin Jarvis. It is the second book in The Deptford Histories trilogy, a series of prequels to Jarvis's Deptford Mice books. It explains the long ago conflict between the squirrels and the bats, and also delves into the history of the dynasty of Starwives. However, this is not the backstory of the Starwife who appears in The Deptford Mice trilogy, but rather one of her predecessors.
It is a time of magic and a time of darkness. The Starwife, leader of the black squirrels, lies dying, betrayed and poisoned. But as the bat army launches a devastating attack on her realm, she staggers to a window and summons aid. These terrible events are to draw Vesper, the young bat, and Ysabelle, the squirrel maiden, into taking a fearsome journey – in a desperate attempt to save their lands from destruction.
Narrated by Fiona Shaw and released in 2002 on cassette tape. This audiobook is so scarce that secondhand copies are almost impossible to find, and it has never been made available on any digital services like Audible. It is being shared here by a fan in order to preserve it. To support the author, please consider purchasing the new editions of The Deptford Mice trilogy on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dark-Portal-Book-Deptford-Mice/dp/1782694366/
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Crystal-Prison-Book-Deptford-Mice/dp/178269434X/
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Final-Reckoning-Book-Three-Deptford/dp/1782694382/
Unabridged audio versions of The Deptford Mice trilogy can be purchased (or obtained for free with a trial) by following the links below:
https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Dark-Portal-Audiobook/B002V8N0W4
https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Crystal-Prison-Audiobook/B002V1JTAS
https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Final-Reckoning-Audiobook/B002V1OERQ
The trilogy consists of Fifth Business (1970), The Manticore (1972), and World of Wonders (1975). The series revolves around a simple act—a young boy throws a snowball at another, but it misses its intended target—and the effect this act has on a number of characters.
The Deptford Trilogy has won praise for its narrative voice and its use of character. Fifth Business, in particular, is considered one of Davies' best novels.
The trilogy takes its name from the fictional small village of Deptford, Ontario, based on Davies' native Thamesville. Davies takes a different viewpoint in each of the novels, and approaches each in a different style. The sometimes eerie tone and unconventional literary devices have evoked some to identify the series as a precursor to slipstream fiction.
The main characters of the series have come by twisting paths from their simple village—and each carries a secret that crosses the lives of the others and drives the plot forward. The greatest secret is one that the reader is not even aware of until the close of the last book, but which finally answers questions about the relationships among several major characters.