William McIlvanney

Date of Birth: November 25, 1936

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: December 5, 2015

Biography

William McIlvanney was a renowned Scottish writer, born on November 25, 1936, in Kilmarnock, Scotland. Known for his profound and gritty storytelling, McIlvanney is often credited with establishing the Tartan Noir genre, a form of Scottish crime fiction. His works frequently explore themes of social justice, morality, and the human condition, often set against the backdrop of working-class Scotland. McIlvanney’s career took off with his novel “Docherty” in 1975, which earned him the Whitbread Novel Award. He followed this success with a series of critically acclaimed novels, including “Laidlaw” (1977), “The Papers of Tony Veitch” (1983), and “Walking Wounded” (1989). The “Laidlaw” series, in particular, was groundbreaking, introducing readers to the complex detective Jack Laidlaw, a character that would influence many contemporary crime writers. In addition to his novels, McIlvanney wrote poetry and journalism, contributing to both Scottish and international literary landscapes. His writing has left a lasting legacy, influencing a new generation of writers and solidifying his place as a pivotal figure in modern Scottish literature.

5 Interesting Facts about William McIlvanney

1. William McIlvanney’s novel “Docherty” won the Whitbread Novel Award in 1975.

2. He is often considered the “father of Tartan Noir,” a genre of crime fiction set in Scotland.

3. McIlvanney’s “Laidlaw” series profoundly influenced contemporary Scottish crime writers, including Ian Rankin and Val McDermid.

4. Before becoming a full-time writer, McIlvanney worked as an English teacher.

5. He was awarded the Crime Writers’ Association’s Silver Dagger for his novel “The Papers of Tony Veitch.”

5 Most Interesting Quotes from William McIlvanney

1. “Good writing is about telling the truth.”

2. “We have to live our lives as if we are creating a work of art.”

3. “There is always something to be made of pain.”

4. “Sometimes the most heroic thing you can do is tell the truth.”

5. “A society is measured by how it treats its least fortunate members.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

William McIlvanney’s highest net worth was estimated to be around $1 million at the peak of his writing career.

Children

William McIlvanney had two children: a son, Liam McIlvanney, who is also a writer and professor of Scottish Studies, and a daughter, Siobhan McIlvanney, who is a lecturer in French literature.