Michael Swan

Michael Swan is a writer specializing in English language teaching and reference materials in general, but is also most especially noted for the modern EFL/ESL teachers' bible, Practical English Usage.

Polemic
In the mid-80s, Swan was involved in a polemic with Henry Widdowson, the leading guru of the communicative approach, and it seems his detractors have never forgiven him for his boldness in pointing out the possible limitations of said approach.

Publications
A more complete, and updated, list of his articles and books can be found at his website.


 * Practical English Usage ISBN 0 19 431197 x paperback (OUP) ISBN 0 19 431198 8 hardback
 * How English Works ISBN 0-19-431456-1 (OUP) - with Catherine Walter
 * The Good Grammar Book (OUP)
 * The Cambridge English Course (Cambridge ELT) - with Catherine Walter
 * Grammar - part of the Oxford Introduction to Language Study series edited by H. G. Widdowson. Oxford University Press (2005) ISBN 0194372413
 * Grammar Scan (OUP) - with David Baker
 * Effective Reading: Reading Skills for Advanced Students, Cambridge University Press, 1986 ISBN 0521317592, 9780521317597 - with Simon Greenall (at Google Books)