{"product_id":"gentlemen-of-the-west-by-agnes-owens","title":"Gentlemen of the West by Agnes Owens","description":"\u003cp\u003eGentlemen 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'A moving picture of a hard, surprising world which is forcing a young man to understand it and himself' – Alasdair Gray\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'Accomplished and resonant and . . . always informed with a comic astringency' – The Scotsman\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'Simultaneously funny and unflinching . . . an economy of language worthy of Ernest Hemingway or Muriel Spark' – Dani Garavelli\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePublished to celebrate Agnes Owens' centenary year in 2026.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeries:Agnes Owens Centenary Editions\u003cbr\u003eFormat:Paperback \/ softback 160 pages\u003cbr\u003ePublisher:Birlinn General\u003cbr\u003eImprint:Polygon An Imprint of Birlinn Limited\u003cbr\u003eEdition:Centenary Edition\u003cbr\u003eISBN:9781846977602\u003cbr\u003ePublished:7 May 2026\u003cbr\u003eClassifications:Modern \u0026amp; contemporary fiction (post c 1945), Sagas\u003cbr\u003eWeight:146g\u003cbr\u003eDimensions:197 x 130 x 16 (mm)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wave of Nostalgia","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":64337532354909,"sku":null,"price":8.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0934\/8838\/2301\/files\/9781846977602.jpg?v=1777028983","url":"https:\/\/waveofnostalgia.co.uk\/products\/gentlemen-of-the-west-by-agnes-owens","provider":"Wave of Nostalgia","version":"1.0","type":"link"}