Esmond Wright (5 November 1915, Newcastle upon Tyne – 9 August 2003, Masham, North Yorkshire[1]) was an English historian of the United States, Director of the Institute of United States Studies at the University of London from 1971 to 1983, a television personality, author, and a Conservative politician.
In 1957 he was appointed Professor of Modern History, a post he held until his election to parliament ten years later.
His students at Glasgow included future Labour Party Leader John Smith and Donald Dewar, later the first First Minister of Scotland.
[6] Wright defeated Dick Douglas, who would later have two spells as a Labour MP and defect to the Scottish National Party.
[5] After his defeat Wright returned to academia becoming Director of the Institute of US Studies and Professor of American History at the University of London in 1971, a post he held until 1983.