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Orbit unveils book of drawings by ‘master of science fiction’ Banks
Orbit has unveiled the “much-anticipated” book of drawings from “master of science fiction” Iain M Banks, entitled The Culture: The Drawings.
Anna Jackson, publisher, acquired world rights from Mic Cheetham at Mic Cheetham Associates, for publication on 7th November 2023. Orbit US will publish in the US and Canada.
The publisher says the large-format, landscape artbook will “faithfully reproduce Iain’s exceptionally intricate drawings in their original format, and at their original scale".
It goes on: “Widely acknowledged as the modern master of science fiction, Iain M Banks created extensive original drawings detailing the universe of his bestselling and beloved Culture novels. Now these illustrations are being published together for the very first time in a book celebrating Banks’s grand vision.”
A deluxe limited edition will also be available worldwide for purchase exclusively from the Orbit UK store. “Beautifully bound in foiled cloth and displayed in a luxurious presentation box, this heirloom edition will be something to treasure,” the publisher says.
Jackson said: “As many fans of Iain M Banks’ vastly popular Culture series will already know, Iain meticulously designed every element of the Culture’s universe long before the novels were published. The whole of the Culture – from language to nomenclature, from ships to weapons – already existed as intricate sketches, notes, and tables many years before it appeared in any of his fiction. This wealth of material, generously released by the Estate, provides a fascinating insight into the workings of Iain’s extraordinary mind. It will be an essential addition to the collection of any Iain M Banks fan.”
Furthermore, in late 2024, Orbit is planning to publish the definitive Culture companion book, celebrating Culture through Iain’s own writing. Curated by Ken MacLeod, it will include all of the author’s notes, tables and charts relating to the Culture universe. More information will be released in due course.
