George Friel was a Scottish writer whose works delved into the lives and struggles of teachers and students at the University of Glasgow. His writing was characterized by a keen insight into human nature and a subtle wit, often exploring the ironies of everyday existence and the complexities of relationships. Friel skillfully captured the atmosphere of academic settings as well as ordinary Scottish life, lending his novels a distinctive charm. One of his novels was recognized on a list of the "100 Best Scottish Books of All Time."
Features three novels that come together in the humorous parable of greed, religion and slum youth that is The Boy Who Wanted Peace; in the fate of old and disturbed Miss Partridge who is obsessed with the innocence of young Grace; and in the mental collapse of Mr Alfred, a middle-aged schoolteacher who is in love with one of this pupils.