The Dear Green Place

In The Dear Green Place, a young man's quest for artistic identity leads him into conflict with societal expectations and personal relationships in 1960s Glasgow.

Set in the vibrant backdrop of nineteen-sixties Glasgow, The Dear Green Place offers an insightful exploration of the life of Mat Craig, a young working-class man with aspirations of becoming a novelist. As he grapples with his artistic ambitions, Mat finds himself caught in a web of social and familial tensions that challenge his identity and resolve. The narrative captures the essence of a community that is both supportive and stifling, reflecting the struggles faced by those yearning for creative expression amidst the constraints of their environment.

Published in 1966, The Dear Green Place received critical acclaim, winning the Guardian Fiction Book of the Year and being recognized as one of the Yorkshire Post’s Best First Works. The novel stands out not only for its compelling character development but also for its vivid portrayal of Glasgow during a transformative era. Readers are drawn into Mat's journey as he navigates the complexities of his aspirations and the realities of his life, making the story both relatable and poignant.

This classic of Scottish literature remains significant more than fifty years after its release, resonating with themes of individuality and artistic struggle. The edition also includes an introduction by Alasdair Gray, along with Archie Hind’s unfinished novel Fur Sadie and the essay ‘Men of the Clyde’, enriching the reading experience with additional context and depth.