The Mayor of Troy

"The Mayor of Troy" by Arthur Quiller-Couch is a captivating historical novel set in the quaint town of Cornwall. Quiller-Couch, a master of English literature, weaves a tale of romance, intrigue, and tradition against the backdrop of a close-knit community. The story revolves around the Mayor of Troy, a figure deeply entrenched in the town's identity and traditions. Within the confines of this small town, the narrative unfolds as a character-driven exploration of familial bonds and personal identity. As the mayor navigates the complexities of his role, readers are drawn into a world where secrets lurk beneath the surface, and loyalties are tested. Against the backdrop of Cornwall's rugged landscapes and rich history, Quiller-Couch paints a vivid picture of a community bound by tradition yet plagued by intrigue. Through the interplay of characters and their relationships, the novel evolves into a captivating family saga, where the past intertwines with the present, shaping the town's collective identity. Ultimately, "The Mayor of Troy" stands as a testament to the enduring power of community and the indomitable spirit of those who call Cornwall home.

Arthur Quiller-Couch was born in the town of Bodmin, Cornwall. He was the son of Dr. Thomas Quiller Couch, a renowned physician, folklorist, and historian who married Mary Ford and resided at 63 Fore Street, Bodmin, until his death in 1884. Thomas was the offspring of two historic local families, the Quiller and Couch dynasties. Arthur was the third generation of academics from the Couch family. His grandfather, Jonathan Couch, was a naturalist, physician, historian, classicist, pharmacist, and illustrator (especially of fish). His younger sisters, Florence Mabel and Lilian M., were both writers and folklorists. Quiller-Couch attended Newton Abbot Proprietary College between the late 1870s and the early 1880s. He later attended Clifton College and Trinity College, Oxford, where he earned a First in Classical Moderations (1884) and a Second in Greats (1886). Quiller-Couch briefly taught Classics at Trinity beginning in 1886. After gaining some journalistic experience in London, primarily as a writer to The Speaker (periodical), he settled in Fowey, Cornwall, in 1891.