Is the same person as IainBanks, but only writes SciFi (including lots of books about TheCulture). IainMBanks will be do a signing and reading from his new SF, non-Culture novel at Borders Oxford during 0th week of Michaelmas term (from memory, October 7th). The M stands for Menzies (prounced ming-_iss_) Here's a FAQ : http://web.onetel.net.uk/~zakalwe/imb/imb.htm Books include (in order of publication): - ConsiderPhlebas [4 -- NH][3 -- MF] - ThePlayerOfGames [5 -- NH][4 -- MF] [4 --TL] - UseOfWeapons [3 -- MF] - TheStateOfTheArt [3 -- NH][3 -- MF] - AgainstADarkBackground [4 -- MF] - FeersumEndjinn [4 -- MF] - TheExcession [4 -- NH][5 -- MF] - INVERSIONS [2 -- MF] - LookToWindward - TheAlgebraist [2 -- NH] - MatterNovel [3 -- NH] _Neophytes are advised to start with ThePlayerOfGames; it introduces The Culture very effectively._ See also : - The Culture Data Repository - Official site - Newsgroup news:alt.books.iain-banks - A list of ship names: http://www.mattstan.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/culture/cultureshiplist.txt -- Personal favourites 'What Are The Civilian Applications', 'Just Another Victim Of The Ambient Morality' and 'Poke It With A Stick'. _BrokenLink -please amend_ CategoryAuthor