Irvine Welsh is a Scottish author and playwright, best known for his debut novel, Trainspotting, published in 1993. His work often explores themes of addiction, poverty, and the gritty realities of life in Edinburgh. Welsh's writing style is characterized by its use of Scottish dialect and dark humor, which has garnered both critical acclaim and a dedicated readership. In addition to novels, Welsh has written short stories, screenplays, and stage plays. His works have been adapted into films and theater productions, further expanding his influence in contemporary literature. Welsh continues to be an important voice in modern Scottish literature.