Alasdair James Gray
- Born:
- December 28, 1934, Glasgow, Scotland
- Died:
- December 29, 2019, Glasgow, Scotland
- Nationality:
- Scottish
- Profession(s):
- Artist, Novelist, Poet, Playwright
Early Life and Education
- Born to Alexander and Amy Gray.
- Evacuated during World War II.
- Attended Whitehill Secondary School.
- Studied at the Glasgow School of Art from 1952 to 1957.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began his career as a visual artist and muralist.
- Published his debut novel, Lanark: A Life in Four Books, in 1981, to widespread critical acclaim.
- Worked on television plays and radio dramas.
- Illustrated his own books and those of other authors.
Notable Works
Novels
- Lanark: A Life in Four Books (1981)
- 1982, Janine (1984)
- Poor Things (1992)
- Old Men in Love: John Tunnock's Posthumous Papers (2007)
Plays
- The Fall of Kelvin Walker: A Fable of the Sixties (1985)
Illustrations and Artwork
- Numerous murals throughout Glasgow.
- Book cover designs and illustrations for his own and others' works.
Legacy and Impact
Alasdair Gray is regarded as one of the most significant Scottish writers and artists of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. His innovative and experimental novels, combined with his distinctive visual style, have had a lasting impact on Scottish literature and art. Sources such as the "max lloyd-jones wikipedia biography of al" confirm his wide-ranging influence.