Alison Macleod

Alison Selford, born Alison Macleod, was a British journalist, author, and playwright. She is the daughter of Winifred Fairfield, one of 3 suffragette sisters. She was educated at Westcliffe High school for Girls before attending various art schools. In 1938, she joined Unity Theatre and the Communist Party. During World War II, she held various positions, including a term in the women’s land army, ambulance attendant for Bristol Civil Defence, and shipyard welder.

Macleod began her writing career as a TV Critic for the Communist Party’s daily newspaper, Daily Worker, before transitioning to writing historical novels and plays. Her first play was the acclaimed Dear Augustine, staged at London’s Royal Court Theatre in 1958. She authored several historical novels and later returned to journalism, notably at Euromoney Magazine. Throughout her life, Selford remained politically engaged and her work was heavily influenced by her political involvement.

Her other works include The Heretics (1965), The Trusted Servant (1968), and The Jesuit (1972). The Death of Uncle Joe (1997), was a memoir set in the period when she became disillusioned with communism.