Ian Rankin

Ian Rankin was born in April 1960 in Fife, Scotland. He studied English Literature at the University of Edinburgh, graduating in 1982. Before dedicating himself to writing, he worked in various jobs, ranging from a vineyard laborer to a tax collector and music journalist. His first novel was published in 1986, but he gained recognition with the creation of his now-famous anti-hero, Inspector Rebus, in 1987. The adventures of the cynical and marginal Scottish inspector frequently appear on bestseller lists and are translated into many languages worldwide, earning Ian Rankin the title of the most popular crime fiction author in Great Britain. In 1988, Ian Rankin was elected a Hawthornden Fellow, and in 1992 he was awarded the Chandler-Fulbright Award and the CWA Dagger for the best crime short story of the year. He has also been honored with the Gold Dagger Award in the crime novel category, the American Edgar Award for his novel "Resurrection Men" (published by Metaichmio), and the CWA Cartier Diamond Dagger for his lifetime contribution to crime literature. He has received honorary degrees from the Universities of Abertay, St Andrews, Hull, and Edinburgh, and for his services to literature, he was also awarded an honorary title (OBE) by the Queen of England. He lives in Edinburgh, is married, and has two children. Ten of Ian Rankin's books have been published by Metaichmio.