Iain M. Banks was a Scottish author known for his contributions to science fiction and mainstream literature. He was born on February 16, 1954, and gained fame for his Culture series, which explores a post-scarcity society where advanced technology and artificial intelligence play significant roles. His writing often combines philosophical themes with imaginative storytelling. In addition to science fiction, Banks wrote literary fiction under the name Iain Banks. His debut novel, The Wasp Factory, published in 1984, received critical acclaim and established him as a versatile writer. Banks continued to publish novels until his death on June 9, 2013.