Hardy and Q: an Investigation into the South-West Cultural Tradition I
Explore the cultural traditions and intellectual perspectives of Thomas Hardy and Q in Andrew Symons' study. This analysis delves into their shared appreciation for facts over theory, their roots in traditional communities, and their unique viewpoints shaped by historical events.
Hardy and Q: an Investigation into the South-West Cultural Tradition II
Continue to explore the cultural traditions and intellectual perspectives of Thomas Hardy and Q in the second part of Andrew Symons' study. This analysis delves into their shared appreciation for facts over theory, their roots in traditional communities, and their unique viewpoints shaped by historical events.
Hardy and Q: an Investigation into the South-West Cultural Tradition III
Continue to explore the cultural traditions and intellectual perspectives of Thomas Hardy and Q in the third part of Andrew Symons' study. This analysis delves into their shared appreciation for facts over theory, their roots in traditional communities, and their unique viewpoints shaped by historical events.
Q as Public Speaker and Lecturer in a Family Tradition of Public Speaking: the Inaugural Lecture
Q's inaugural lecture as Cambridge's Professor of English Literature in 1913 marked a fresh start for the young department, following the untimely death of his predecessor, Arthur W. Verrall.
Winifred Hutchinson: Q's Assistant. A Pioneer of Women's Education at Cambridge.
During the late WWI years, Q struggled with eyesight issues, relying on Winifred Hutchinson, a classicist from Newnham College, as his assistant. Despite her vital role, biographers mention her only briefly.
The Ancestors of Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch: the Origins and Social Status of the Couch Family
Quiller-Couch rose to national prominence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a writer and lecturer as well as being an important local figure, with his family's upper-middle-class roots and contributions as doctors and scholars contributing to their respected legacy. This study explores the Couch family's origins and gentility.
The Maritime History of the Couch Family
Discover the union of the Couch and Quiller families, merging sea-faring traditions and transforming the name into Quiller-Couch, with a rich history of sailing, smuggling, and hidden secrets in Polperro.
Edwardian Children to Modern Women: the Friendship of Foy Quiller-Couch, Daphne du Maurier, Clara Vyvyan and Oenone Rashleigh
Explore the enduring friendship between Foy Quiller-Couch, Daphne du Maurier, Clara Vyvyan, and Oenone Rashleigh, despite their diverse backgrounds and ages, and their shared journey toward independence in a modern world.
Women's Contribution to the Scientific and Intellectual Life of Penzance in the 18th and early 19th centuries
Explore the contributions of Elizabeth Carne and the Millett sisters to the scientific and intellectual society of their town, highlighting their impact within the broader 19th-century scientific community, with particular reference to the Penzance Ladies Book Club.
Helene Hanff and Q's Legacy
Discover how Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch, 'Q', profoundly influenced Helene Hanff's writing career, leading to her success with 84 Charing Cross Road, despite never meeting him. This study explores the impact of Q's writings on her life, as acknowledged in her book Q's Legacy.
Q on Coleridge: New Insights into Devon's Most Distinguished Poet and Writer
This study explores how Q's analysis of Samuel Taylor Coleridge reveals insights into Q himself, while examining Coleridge's significance in Q's appreciation of Romantic poets like Byron, Shelley, and Wordsworth, all influenced by their shared Classical and Christian Mediterranean heritage.
Life, Legend and Landscape: the Autobiographical Sub-text and Historical Background to Castle Dor by Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch and Daphne du Maurier
This study explores the background of *Castle Dor*, examining how the lives of Q and Du Maurier, local Cornish history, folklore, and the legend of Tristan and Iseult influenced the novel's context and references.

Fort Amity: a study
"Fort Amity" is a complex historical novel set in the St. Lawrence region from 1758 to 1760, with flashbacks and extensions to 1775, 1818, and 1875, offering a multi-layered plot that challenges both readers and critics.
Ia, a Love Story: a study
Arthur Quiller-Couch (Q), best known as an anthologist and Cambridge professor, was primarily a creative writer. His fifth novel, "Ia" (1896), set in Cornwall, blends Q's Romantic vision with the scientific and antiquarian legacy of his distinguished family.
Bertha Couch and her Writing of the Life of Jonathan Couch
Q's grandfather Jonathan Couch, a renowned naturalist and doctor in Polperro, gained international recognition for *Fishes of the British Islands* and contributed to Cornwall's intellectual life. His influence is reflected in Q's works, with much known about him from his daughter Bertha's 1891 biography. This study includes an account of Bertha Couch's life.
John Keats in Context: a Study of the Keats or Keate Family in the Context of Q's Studies of the Romantic Poets
Q deeply revered John Keats, even likening him to a budding Shakespeare, yet Keats is scarcely mentioned in Q's *Studies in Literature*. Despite Keats' Cornish and Devon connections, Q's writings on him are minimal, reflecting a complex relationship explored through the concept of 'palimpsest' in Q's work.
The Stories of Q Inspired by the Peninsular War
Explore Q's gripping Peninsular War stories, which vividly portray the conflict between Napoleon's forces and the allied armies of Spain, Portugal, and Britain. From Sir John Moore's advance in 1808 to Wellington's crossing into France in 1813, Q's tales offer a realistic, action-packed glimpse into this dramatic era. These historically accurate stories, crafted with a focus on realism, present the harsh realities of war without glorifying or condemning them. Ideal for history enthusiasts and fans of engaging narratives.
Reflections on Hocken and Hunken
Discover Q's unique storytelling approach in "Hocken and Hunken," set entirely within the parish of Troy over 15 months. Unlike his other novels, which span continents and decades, this one offers a focused narrative centered on local events and the Queen Victoria's Jubilee. Written at his Fowey home, the novel reflects Q’s deep connection to the port and its community.
P & Q: Alfred Parsons, Arthur Quiller-Couch, The Warwickshire Avon and True Tilda
Explore the journey of Arthur Quiller-Couch (Q) and artist Alfred Parsons as they gather material for "The Warwickshire Avon," a book inspired by Samuel Ireland's 1795 work. Their trip, filled with picturesque scenes and historical insights, influenced Q’s novel "True Tilda" and led to the re-publication of their work in 1985 as "Exploring Shakespeare Country." Discover how this venture left a lasting impact on both literature and local heritage.
The Family of Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch
Explore the relationship between Arthur Quiller-Couch (Q) and his family, as well as his influence on others, such as Daphne du Maurier. Discover how Q's values on family and duty shaped his legacy and role as the head of the Couch family. This study sheds light on both Q's personal connections and the lesser-known members of his family.
The Forebears of Jonathan Couch and Associated Families
Explore the forebears of Jonathan Couch and related families in this study, a companion to "The Descendants of Jonathan Couch." Valuable for researchers and those interested in Q's family history, this work acknowledges the contributions of Frank Perrycoste and Jeremy Rowett Johns.
The Descendants of Jonathan Couch
This study, researched by Jane Prince, provides detailed census and vital records for Dr. Jonathan Couch and his descendants from three marriages. It serves as a valuable reference for students of Q and complements Andrew Symons' article on Couch’s forebears. Additional details on Jonathan Couch can be found in his biography and the study on his medical training.
The Literary Careers of Mabel and Lilian Quiller-Couch, Q’s Sisters
Discover the intertwined lives of Mabel and Lilian Quiller-Couch, sisters and writers. The article highlights their close relationship and explores their literary careers, along with their family, including Q and their younger brothers.
The Splendid Spur: a study
"The Splendid Spur" is Q’s final bachelor novel, completed before his 1889 marriage to Louisa Amelia Hicks. Set against an Oxford backdrop reflecting Q’s own student days, it follows Jack Marvell, a student distracted by the arrival of King Charles I. Despite its commercial success, Q wrote to earn a living, relying on his pen after inheriting only debts from his father.
Harry Revel: a study
"Harry Revel" transitions from a murder-mystery to a historical novel with its shift in Chapter XX, concluding with a moral resolution set against the Peninsular War backdrop. The novel juxtaposes early 19th-century Plymouth with the more stable Rame Peninsula, Cornwall. While Q cautions against scrutinizing exact locations, a map aids in navigating the complex plot.
Introducing Troy Town: a study
"The Astonishing History of Troy Town," Q’s second novel published in 1888, reflects his London years and deep connection to Fowey. Dedicated to Charles Cannon, the novel explores Fowey from a distance and was written during Q’s early attempts to establish himself as a novelist. It captures his fascination with the Fowey valley and marks a pivotal moment before his eventual move to the town and marriage to Louisa Amelia Hicks.
Poison Island: a study
"Poison Island," a 1907 adventure novel by Q, echoes the style of R.L. Stevenson and continues his nautical-themed series alongside "Sir John Constantine" and "The Mayor of Troy." Published during Q's prolific creative period, this novel reflects his deep involvement in Liberal politics, Fowey harbor administration, and the Cornwall Education Authority, all while enjoying a stable family life and financial security.
The Blue Pavilions: a study
"The Blue Pavilions," Q’s fourth novel published in 1891, was completed shortly before his marriage and marked his last work written in London. It lacks Cornish content, reflecting his aim to establish himself as a London writer. The novel's completion coincided with Q's overwork and subsequent nervous breakdown, leading to his move to Fowey in 1892.
The Philosophical Context of 'I Saw Three Ships': a study
"I Saw Three Ships" is a collection of short stories by Q that masterfully reconstructs a vanishing world, shaped by family and oral histories. This study delves into the philosophical influences behind Q's writing, emphasizing that despite apparent chaos, experience reveals a harmonious and providential order.
Q's Family and Dead Man's Rock: a study
Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch (1863–1944), a notable Cornish writer and Cambridge Professor, blended scientific background with literary talent. His work, once acclaimed globally, now faces neglect. This study explores his intellectual influences, including his grandfather Dr. Jonathan Couch, and his dual legacy in science and literature. It also examines Q's portrayal of smuggling and premonition in his fiction, reflecting his unique perspective on the 'sixth sense'.
The Mayor of Troy: a study
An examination of how the novel reflects Q's political and social concerns
Thomas Bond and The Mayor of Troy
How Thomas Bond, a real historical figure, is presented in the novel
The Ship of Stars: a study
A study of the novel that Q's biographers believed to be his best work
Noughts and Crosses: a study
A consideration of some of the influences on this collection of short stories
Lectures on Byron & Shelley: a study
An analysis of Q's academic lectures on Byron and Shelley
A Lecture on Lectures: a study
An account of a lecture in which Q reveals his passionately held views on education
A Lecture on Tradition and Orthodoxy: a study
An account of a lecture in which Q explores his own attitudes to tradition with reference to the views of T.S. Eliot
Lectures on the Art of Reading: a study
An introduction to a set of lectures in which Q describes the importance of placing the child at the heart of education
Lectures on some Seventeenth Century Poets: a study
An examination of the political and philosophical context in which Q presented this series of lectures
The Medical Training of Jonathan Couch: a study
Medical education in London at the time when Q's grandfather trained to be a doctor
The Scientific Thinking of Dr Thomas Quiller Couch: a study
A consideration of how Q was influenced in his writing by the scientific thinking of his father
Q and the Hones Family: a study
Some personal reminiscences of the Hones family's links with Q
The Life and Writings of Richard Quiller Couch
An account of the life and work of Q's uncle, another distinguished member of Quiller Couch family
John Quiller Couch: a study
What we know about the life of John Quiller Couch, Q's uncle