Giant Steps (book)

Giant Steps is a 1990 novel by Canadian author Robertson Davies. It is the third and final novel in the Cornish Trilogy, following The Rebel Angels (1981) and What's Bred in the Bone (1985).

The novel centers around the character of Dr. Simon Darcourt, a professor of New Testament Studies and theologian at Massey College, University of Toronto, a fictionalized version of the institution where Davies himself served as Master. Giant Steps follows Darcourt as he navigates personal and professional challenges, including writer's block, romantic entanglements, and the complexities of academia.

A significant theme in the book is the exploration of faith, spirituality, and the power of myth and imagination. Darcourt's struggles with his own beliefs and his attempts to reconcile them with the modern world are central to the narrative. The novel also delves into the nature of creativity and the artistic process.

Similar to the other books in the Cornish Trilogy, Giant Steps features a blend of intellectual discourse, philosophical musings, and quirky characters. The narrative is enriched by Davies' signature wit and his deep understanding of human nature. The title, Giant Steps, likely alludes to the concept of making significant advancements or progress in one's understanding or life.