Scottish author Iain Banks Dies at 59

Posted on June 9, 2013

Scottish author Iain Banks has died at the age of 59. Banks found out earlier this year that he had gall bladder that had spread and was inoperable. He said in a blog post to fans that he had less than a year to live. He married his long time girlfriend Adele and set off for a honeymoon in Venice and Paris. He posted on his blog in May that he was doing better and might be able to do chemotherapy, but suddenly took a turn for the worse. His wife said he died at home, at peace and not in pain.

Bank's first book was The Wasp Factory which was published in 1984 when he was only 30 years old. Banks' next book was Walking on Glass, in which Banks ventured into sf territory. He wrote literary novels and sf novels, switching between genres with ease. He was fond of triple narratives and shocking twists.

Banks' newest book, The Quarry, was rushed to publication by Little, Brown at Bank's request as he wanted to see the book on shelves before he died. In a statement Little, Brown said, "On behalf of Iain's wife, Adele, it is with enormous sadness that Little, Brown announces the death of Iain Banks. Banks has been one of the country's best loved novelists for both his mainstream and science fiction books.

"After his own recent announcement of his cancer Iain Banks was hugely moved by the public support for him via his website. Just three weeks ago he was presented with finished copies of his last novel, The Quarry and enjoyed celebration parties with old friends and fans across the publishing world.

"Iain Banks' ability to combine the most fertile of imaginations with his own highly distinctive brand of gothic humour made him unique. He is an irreplaceable part of the literary world."