Westminster Authors

David Swift has taught History and Politics at Westminster Tutors for several years, alongside researching and teaching at a number of universities in the UK and abroad. He specialises on the history and contemporary politics of the British Left, with particular regard to race, class, gender and popular culture. David’s first book, A Left For Itself, was published by Zero Books in 2019, and his latest book, entitled The Identity Myth, will be released on 17 February.

The Identity Myth calls for an end to the obsession with, and over-reliance on, the cultural trend of identity myths. It interrogates assumptions around the politics and culture of class, race, sex and age, and underlines how people’s new-found activism may not be as helpful as they think. The book blends rigorous research with personal experience to illustrate the complexities within different identities, and gives guidance on how to support minorities without patronising or undermining them.

One of our English teachers Melissa Jones is a critically acclaimed novelist. Educated at Exeter College, Oxford, she has written three highly regarded novels published internationally: Cold in Earth (1998), Sick at Heart (1999) and Emily Hudson (2010). In addition, her interest in architecture has led to journalism and exhibition work and the non fiction Interiors for the Under Fives, (2005). Gifted with a talent for conveying her passion for English Literature, she has also enjoyed a successful career as a teacher.

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