Alasdair Gray - sylwetka autora

The Scottish novelist, known for blending elements of science fiction, fantasy, and realism in his works, frequently adds his own illustrations to his books, giving them a distinctive visual appeal. Born into a working-class family, during World War II, he was evacuated with his mother and sister to a farm in Perthshire, then to the town of Stonehouse in Lanarkshire. These childhood experiences influenced his debut novel, "Lanark." After the war, the family returned to Glasgow. In 1952, following his mother's death, he was admitted to the Glasgow School of Art and began working on "Lanark" two years later, though it wasn't published until 1981.

While studying at the art school, Gray created his first mural, "Horrors of War," for the Scottish-U.S.S.R. Friendship Society, a Glasgow-based organization that still exists. For many years after art school, he supported himself as a teacher, painted landscapes and murals, and wrote radio plays and film scripts for documentaries. Despite these commitments, he continued to write, and after publishing "Lanark," he dedicated himself fully to writing, designing, and illustrating books, mostly his own.

Gray's work is deeply rooted in Scottish tradition, marked by sharp humor, precision, and a sometimes grim realism, as he believes realism must be palpable and truth should not be idealized. His novels often lack happy endings, but they convey a sense of cleansing and tranquility. He addresses social and political issues, excelling in creating vivid female characters. His book "Poor Things" (1992) won the Whitbread Prize and the Guardian Fiction Prize.