Obituary: David Self

David Self

1941-2008

Geraldine Brennan writes…

As author, critic and broadcaster, David Self was determined that children should have nothing but the best. He taught English and RE at Rossall School, Lancashire and lectured in drama at the teaching training College of St Bede and St Hild in Durham. There he published the first of more than 80 books to engage children and support teachers. After Durham, David became a freelance producer of RE features and drama for BBC Schools, starting a career in religious broadcasting which included chairing The Big Question for Anglia TV. He wrote and reviewed regularly for The Times Educational Supplement for 30 years, notably the long-running multi-faith Dates for Assembly column and insightful, rigorous reviews of children’s books and fiction for adults. He was also a regular contributor to the Church Times, the Guardian and Books for Keeps. He campaigned for gay relationships to be recognised by the Church of England and entered into one of the UK’s first civil partnerships with his partner, Majid, in 2005.

Lion Children’s Books published his most recent book, The Lion Encyclopedia of World Religions (a companion to The Lion Encyclopedia of Christianity), within days of his death from cancer on 14 June, aged 67. Lion will publish Saint Paul: stories about the Apostle next year.