Iain Banks - The Wasp Factory - First UK Edition 1984 Signed by Author. A first edition, first printing published by Macmillan in 1984. A near fine book without inscriptions - a trace of spotting to the top edge. In a fine unclipped wrapper. "The Wasp Factory" is a chilling novel by Scottish author Iain Banks. The story centres around sixteen-year-old Frank Cauldhame, who lives on a remote Scottish island with his eccentric father. Frank's disturbing rituals, including the construction of bizarre contraptions and the ritualistic killing of animals, reveal a troubled psyche shaped by a traumatic childhood. As Frank's secrets unravel, the novel delves into themes of identity, family dysfunction, and the nature of reality. With its unsettling atmosphere and shocking revelations, "The Wasp Factory" is a provocative exploration of the darker aspects of human nature, leaving a lasting impression on readers.