Alasdair James Gray (born 1934) was a Scottish novelist, playwright, and artist from Glasgow, Scotland. Gray is regarded as the father figure of the Scottish Renaissance. As a postmodernist, Gray’s written works combine elements of realism, fantasy, and science fiction supported by his own illustrations and typography. Gray often incorporated his political viewpoints to support socialism and Scottish independence and was described by Will Self as “a creative polymath with an integrated politico-philosophic vision.”

Alasdair Gray has written, designed, and illustrated seven novels, three short story collections, three political pamphlets, two verse books, and a book about his art, A Life in Pictures. He wrote eight stage plays, twelve television and six radio plays broadcast by the BBC and Granada. His books have been published internationally and translated into Italian, Russian, and Japanese. His awards include the Whitbread Fiction Prize, Guardian Fiction Prize, and Saltire Society Life Time Achievement Award.

His novel POOR THINGS was adapted by Tony McNamara and directed by Yorgos Lanthimos as a feature film produced by Element Pictures in 2023, starring Emma Stone.  The film won four Oscars at the 2024 Academy Awards and received nominations in seven categories, including Best Motion Picture of the Year and Best Achievement in Directing. Additionally, it won five BAFTAs and was nominated for five more, including Best Screenplay (Adapted), Outstanding British Film of the Year, and Best Film.

His seminal novel LANARK was adapted for the stage by David Greig and produced at the Edinburgh International Festival to great acclaim in 2015