Iain Banks (16 February 1954 – 9 June 2013) was a Scottish author known for his mainstream fiction and science fiction works written under the pseudonym Iain M. Banks, incorporating the initial of his middle name Menzies. Following the success of his novel The Wasp Factory in 1984, Banks committed to writing full-time. His first science fiction novel, Consider Phlebas, published in 1987, initiated the renowned Culture series. Many of his works have been adapted for theatre, radio, and television. In 2008, The Times listed Banks among "The 50 greatest British writers since 1945".

Educated at the University of Stirling, Banks studied English Literature, Philosophy, and Psychology. He relocated to London post-graduation, living in southern England until his return to Scotland in 1988, where he resided in Edinburgh and Fife. Banks married Annie in 1982 in Hawaii, but they separated in 2007 after 25 years. He spent his later years in North Queensferry, near the Firth of Forth.

In April 2013, Banks publicly announced he had inoperable cancer and was unlikely to live beyond a year. He passed away on 9 June 2013.