{
  "type": "edition",
  "site": {
    "name": "The Book Quiver",
    "language": "en-US",
    "url": "https://www.bookquiver.com"
  },
  "formats": "Every page has two versions with the same data: JSON (the page address + .json) and markdown (the page address + .md). Append .json or .md to any `url` in this document.",
  "title": "Gentlemen of the West",
  "subtitle": null,
  "url": "https://www.bookquiver.com/agnes-owens/gentlemen-of-the-west/9781846977602",
  "publisher": "Birlinn",
  "publisher_series": [],
  "translators": [],
  "medium": "paper",
  "duration_seconds": null,
  "narrators": [],
  "illustrators": [],
  "cover_artists": [],
  "isbn": "978-18-4697-760-2",
  "pages": 160,
  "published": "2026-05-07",
  "language": "en_US",
  "cover": "https://quivercdn.com/covers/birlinn/agnes-owens/gentlemen-of-the-west_978-18-4697-760-2-d48817bd.webp?v=2026-10-17%2011%3A47%3A13",
  "json": "https://www.bookquiver.com/agnes-owens/gentlemen-of-the-west/9781846977602.json",
  "markdown": "https://www.bookquiver.com/agnes-owens/gentlemen-of-the-west/9781846977602.md",
  "binding": "Softcover",
  "description": "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 GaravelliPublished to celebrate Agnes Owens' centenary year in 2026.",
  "book": {
    "title": "Gentlemen of the West",
    "slug": "gentlemen-of-the-west",
    "url": "https://www.bookquiver.com/agnes-owens/gentlemen-of-the-west"
  },
  "authors": [
    {
      "name": "Agnes Owens",
      "slug": "agnes-owens",
      "url": "https://www.bookquiver.com/agnes-owens"
    }
  ]
}