"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.
Sir Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch was a British author who wrote under the name Q. He was born on November 21, 1863, and died on May 12, 1944. Even though he wrote a lot of novels, he is best known for his literary criticism and the massive book The Oxford Book of English Verse 1250–1900 (later expanded to 1918). Many people, including the American author Helene Hanff, who wrote 84, Charing Cross Road and its follow-up, Q's Legacy, were inspired by him even though they never met him. His Oxford Book of English Verse was a favorite of Horace Rumpole, a figure in John Mortimer's stories. Arthur Quiller-Couch was born in England in the town of Bodmin in the county of Cornwall. He was born to Dr. Thomas Quiller Couch (d. 1884), a famous doctor, folklorist, and scholar who married Mary Ford and lived at 63 Fore Street, Bodmin, until he died there in 1884. Thomas was born from the marriage of two very old families in the area: The Couch family and the Quiller family. Arthur was the third smart person in the Couch family to come from that line. Jonathan Couch, his grandpa, was a naturalist, a doctor, a historian, a classicist, an apothecary, and an artist (mostly of fish). He had two younger sisters named Florence Mabel and Lilian M. who were also artists and folklorists.
