The Deptford Trilogy, by Robertson Davies

"Reading Robertson Davies is like sitting in a plush, wood-panelled library--in a large leather chair with a glass of excellent brandy and a crackling fire--and being captivated with a fabulous tale spun by a wonderful raconteur." This is a quote from Amazon customer reviews, and I've used it as I cannot do better myself. The prose is beautiful, the style amusing, erudite and thoughtful. Another review said it was therapy bound in leather. It is.