Gentlemen of the West

Agnes Owens author Dani Garavelli editor

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Birlinn General

Published:7th May '26

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Gentlemen of the West cover

Gentlemen of the West, Agnes Owens’ debut novel, was first published in 1984 to wide critical acclaim.

The novel follows the humorous exploits of Mac, a young bricklayer, who, along with a colourful cast of characters, seeks solace and escape in the convivial atmosphere of the Paxton Arms and the levelling influence of alcohol. Each chapter feels like a self-contained episode, but this engaging novel is a cleverly constructed, coherent narrative that is a darkly humorous portrayal of working-class life. 

With sharp and inventive language, the novel skilfully balances drama and comedy, making you root for the underdog. 

'A moving picture of a hard, surprising world which is forcing a young man to understand it and himself' – Alasdair Gray

'Accomplished and resonant and . . . always informed with a comic astringency' – The Scotsman

'Simultaneously funny and unflinching . . . an economy of language worthy of Ernest Hemingway or Muriel Spark' – Dani Garavelli

Published to celebrate Agnes Owens' centenary year in 2026.

'This unsung writer can make you laugh and shock you on the same page. Agnes Owens is finally getting her due 100 years after her birth. Her reissued debut, Gentlemen of the West, packs in violence, revenge and a comic twist'

-- Alan Simpson * The Times *

'A moving picture of a hard, surprising world which is forcing a young man to understand both it and himself'

-- Alasdair Gray

'The time to rediscover Owens' sharp, brilliant, witty, fuss-free fiction is here'

-- John Self * The Critic *

'Agnes Owens is one of Scotland's finest writers, and it's to be hoped that a new readership is about to discover that for themselves'

* SNACK Magazine *

‘Agnes Owens was such a fine writer. Her best stories are great stories . . . she created an art that will endure’

-- James Ke

ISBN: 9781846977602

Dimensions: 198mm x 129mm x 12mm

Weight: 143g

160 pages

Centenary Edition