James Kelman is a Scottish novelist and short story writer, celebrated for his exploration of working-class life and the complexities of human consciousness. Born in 1946 in Glasgow, Scotland, Kelman grew up in a city marked by social and economic struggles, which would influence much of his writing. He studied at the University of Glasgow and began his career as a writer in the 1970s.

Kelman’s breakthrough came with his novel How Late It Was, How Late (1994), which won the Booker Prize. The novel is notable for its raw, vernacular style and its portrayal of a man who, after a brutal assault, grapples with the world while facing physical and psychological limitations. Kelman’s works often explore themes of alienation, class, language, and the internal landscapes of his characters, frequently using dialect and stream-of-consciousness techniques.

In addition to his novels, Kelman has written short stories and plays, often focusing on the ordinary lives of people from Scotland's working class. His writing style is distinctive for its use of colloquial language and a focus on the minutiae of everyday life. Despite facing criticism from some for his experimental approach, Kelman has maintained a respected position in contemporary British literature.