Novel
Troy Town cover

The Astonishing History of Troy Town (1888)


'The Astonishing History of Troy Town' (or simply 'Troy Town', as it is often known) was Q’s second novel. It was written in London but it is set in Fowey, in Cornwall. It combines social satire with vivid descriptions of the surrounding world. It is a light novel, but it does contain the darker theme of a terrorist plot.
Blue Pavilions title page

The Blue Pavilions (1891)


'The Blue Pavilions', published in 1891, is set in Harwich, The Hague, and Dunkirk during Charles II's reign. It explores historical events and the theme of youth education, reflecting Q's passion. Learn more about the novel and its context.
Dead Man’s Rock book cover

Dead Man’s Rock (1887)


Discover the first novel by Q, 'Dead Man’s Rock', published in 1887 by Cassell & Company. This section offers a wealth of resources, including a plot outline, chapter summaries, and an analysis of the book’s structure. Explore articles on the novel's creation, its geography, and recurring themes. Learn about the main characters and delve into a study connecting Q’s family history to the novel.
Fort amity cover

Fort Amity (1904)


Explore 'Fort Amity', a historical novel set around the St. Lawrence River before the fall of Montreal in 1760. The story follows John à Cleeve's adventures amid political turmoil, reflecting Q's views on politics and social change. Discover resources and an in-depth study of the novel's historical and contemporary themes.
Thatched house in a street

Harry Revel (1903)


Discover 'Harry Revel,' a 1903 novel that blends murder mystery with historical fiction set during the Peninsular War. Explore resources including plot bases, geographical settings, chapter summaries, and character descriptions.
Fowey river

Hocken and Hunken (1912)


'Hocken and Hunken,' a 1912 comedy by Q set in the town of Troy, offers a lively portrayal of life in Fowey, blending humour with insightful observations of its residents.
Ia illustration

Ia, a Love Story (1896)


Discover 'Ia, a Love Story,' Q's 1896 novella set in Penwith. Explore themes of love and social class, with chapter summaries and a map of the story's locations. Learn about Q's blend of Romantic vision and empiricism in this imaginative work.
Fowey river

The Mayor of Troy (1906)


Explore 'The Mayor of Troy', a tragi-comedy by Q, with chapter summaries, character profiles, and detailed notes. Delve into its links to real-life figures like the Daniell Family and related short stories.
Poison Island

Poison Island (1906)


Explore 'Poison Island,' a 1906 adventure novel by Q, featuring a treasure hunt and nautical themes. Beyond the exciting tale, it delves into the nature of evil, corruption, and the misuse of knowledge. Find chapter summaries, villain studies, and character descriptions.
Ship of Stars cover

The Ship of Stars (1899)


Explore 'The Ship of Stars,' Q's 1899 novel set in the Cornish village of Nannizabuloe. Featuring autobiographical elements, the story delves into themes of religion in 19th-century Cornwall. Discover plot summaries, historical context, and key scenes.
The Splendid Spur

The Splendid Spur (1889)


Discover 'The Splendid Spur', a historical novel by Q set during the English Civil War. Follow Jack Marvel's adventures with plot summaries, detailed chapter accounts, and a walk-through of key events from Oxford to Cornwall.
Short story collection
I Saw Three Ships illustration

I Saw Three Ships and other Winter’s Tales (1892)


Explore 'I Saw Three Ships,' Q's 1892 collection of short stories influenced by Cornish heritage and philosophical musings. Discover an introduction, story discussions, and insights into the collection's philosophical context.
Noughts and Crosses book cover

Noughts and Crosses (1891)


Explore 'Noughts and Crosses', a collection of Q's short stories published in 1891, many set in Cornwall. Reflecting a bleaker tone, these tales reveal Q's storytelling roots and possibly his unsettled state of mind. Find information on each story.
Lecture
Daisy trim

A Lecture on Lectures (1927)


Published in 1927 by The Hogarth Press, Q's 'A Lecture On Lectures' criticizes passive learning and advocates for education that fosters curiosity and exploration. His writings champion awakening and enlightening students, emphasizing the importance of enthusiasm in university education.
Q

A Lecture on Tradition and Orthodoxy (1934)


In his 1934 Cambridge lecture, 'Tradition and Orthodoxy,' Q critiques T.S. Eliot's views from 'After Strange Gods'. While sharing concerns about individualism, Q rejects Eliot's call for religious orthodoxy, advocating instead for a rational, liberal approach to understanding the world.
Q bookplate

Lectures on Byron and Shelley (1922)


In his 1918 Byron lecture and 1921 Shelley lectures, Q reflects on post-WWI society, drawing parallels with these poets' lives. Published in 1922, these lectures critique societal norms and highlight Byron's and Shelley's defiance against mediocrity and materialism.
Fancy trim

Lectures on some Seventeenth Century Poets (1918)


Discover Q's 1918 lectures on poets John Donne, George Herbert, Henry Vaughn, and others. Explore themes of mysticism, harmony, and order, set against the backdrop of WWI and emerging new ideas.
Q handwriting

Lectures on the Art of Reading (1920)


Explore Q's twelve Cambridge lectures (1916-1918) on education, literature, and child development. Discover his advocacy for liberal education, great literature, and reforms for wider access, set against the backdrop of WWI and fears for liberal democracy's future.