Alasdair Gray was a Scottish author and artist, born on December 7, 1934, in Glasgow. He is best known for his novel Lanark, published in 1981, which blends fantasy and realism to explore themes of identity and society. Gray's unique style often incorporated illustrations, reflecting his background in visual arts. Throughout his career, Gray produced numerous works, including novels, plays, and essays, and became a prominent figure in contemporary Scottish literature. He was also involved in the Scottish independence movement, advocating for cultural and political change in Scotland. Gray passed away on December 29, 2019.