John Wyndham author page

John Wyndham biography

John Wyndham was an English author known for his science fiction novels. His full name was John Wyndham Parkes Lucas Beynon Harris. He published under several variations of his name, including John Beynon and Lucas Parkes. Wyndham attended Bedales School and later worked in various jobs, including farming, law, and advertising. He served in the British Army during the Second World War.

Wyndham’s first major success came with the publication of The Day of the Triffids in 1951. The novel has remained in print since its release and is regarded as a classic of science fiction. He followed this with The Kraken Wakes (1953), The Chrysalids (1955), and The Midwich Cuckoos (1957). The Midwich Cuckoos was later adapted into the film Village of the Damned in 1960. Other works include Chocky (1968), Web (published posthumously in 1979), and several collections of short stories.

Wyndham’s novels have been translated into multiple languages and adapted for radio, television, and film. His work has influenced numerous writers and remains widely studied. The Day of the Triffids was included in the BBC’s “Big Read” survey of the UK’s best-loved novels in 2003.

John Wyndham died in 1969. His books continue to be published by Penguin and other major publishers.