Christopher Samuel Youd, (1922-), British science fiction and fantasy author, writing under the pseudonym Christopher Youd, published his first novel, The Winter Swan, in 1949. Already an active Science fiction fan, publishing Christmas Story, for Astounding Science Fiction, also in 1949, Youd began to concentrate on writing more adult Science fiction novels, using the pseudonym John Christopher. The success of his second novel The Death of Grass , (filmed as No Blade of Grass in 1970), meant Youd became perceived as John Wyndham's rival and successor, especially during the decade 1955-1965. He is well known for his Tripods series of novels for younger readers, (1967), which were adapted for television by the BBC. Youd was an active member of the Fortean Society, through which he met his wife, Joyce.

The majority of the above information is taken from: Clute, John and Peter Nicholls. The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction. London: Orbit, 1993.