Biography of James Kelman

James Kelman held the Chair of Creative Writing jointly with Alasdair Gray and Tom Leonard from 2001 to 2003.

Kelman was born in Glasgow in 1946. He left school aged fifteen to take up an apprenticeship in the printing industry. He worked in various jobs before entering the University of Strathclyde University in 1975 to study philosophy. He did not complete his studies but later joined a writing group at the University of Glasgow where he met writers such as Alasdair Gray and Tom Leonard with whom he would co-author works.

Kelman's first publication was a collection of short stories published in 1983. His fourth novel How late it was, how late won the 1994 Booker Prize.

Summary

James Kelman
Writer
Born 9 June 1946, Glasgow, Scotland.
University Link: Professor
Occupation categories: writers
Search for this person in UK Who's Who
Record last updated: 31st Jul 2008

University Connections

University Roles

• Professor

Academic Posts

Professorships:

• Creative Writing