Iain Banks (16 February 1954 – 9 June 2013) was a renowned Scottish author celebrated for his versatility in writing. He wrote mainstream fiction under his name Iain Banks and ventured into the science fiction genre as Iain M. Banks, incorporating the initial of his adopted middle name Menzies. Banks's literary journey took off with the success of The Wasp Factory in 1984, which allowed him to transition into writing full-time. His foray into science fiction began with Consider Phlebas in 1987, introducing the intricate and expansive Culture series.

Banks's work transcended the pages of his books, finding its way into theatre, radio, and television adaptations. His literary prowess was recognized in 2008 when The Times included him in their list of "The 50 greatest British writers since 1945". In a tragic turn of events, Banks announced in April 2013 that he had been diagnosed with inoperable cancer, leading to his untimely death on 9 June 2013.