Sinclair Ross was born in Saskatchewan in 1908. His career in banking lasted more than forty years. Sinclair Ross is widely recognized for his contributions to Canadian literature, particularly prairie realism. He died in 1996.

"This book is part of a new series issued by the University of Alberta Press reprinting of the work of Sinclair Ross. We were tempted to award the entire series a prize but this title was so obviously the best that it alone has second place. Whir of Gold was a superb production, nicely balanced, and printed on good paper. It was obvious that the type had been thoughtfully chosen, and that great care was taken with its setting.... This is a lovely book in a distinctive series that has been very thoughtfully put together. It is delightful." Judges' Comments, The Alcuin Society 2001

"If you've never read Sinclair Ross, the Saskatchewan-born writer who helped define prairie realism, give thanks to the University of Alberta Press for this exquisitely produced quality paperback reissue. And if you have, now is the time to reacquaint yourself with one of the most distinct voices in Western Canadian literature....With Sawbones Memorial, he perfectly captures the rhythms and realities of small-town life in the West....(T)he book explores both the generosity and the hateful bigotry found in small towns everywhere. There is tenderness here, and bitterness, too....Also reprinted by the U of A Press are two other Ross novels, Whir of Gold and The Well. Both are dazzling. Marc Horton, The Edmonton Journal