Iain (M) Banks

I was very sad to hear of the death of one of my favourite writers Iain Banks, who I knew mainly through his SF books about 'The Culture', which have been my main reading this last year. Having caught up with his interviews and articles over the last fortnight, it seems he was a remarkable and thoughtful man, as well as being a great writer. I will work my way through most of the rest of his books now, as Duncan seems to have them all in his office. I will treat myself today to buying the last 3 Culture books I have yet to read. Between him and Ursula LeGuin, I have been kept open-minded and open-mouthed, and both for the wonderful ideas, and the hours of sheer delight, I am heartily grateful. if you haven't read his books yet, you have a great pool of wonderful reading ahead.