Photo of Sam Youd
Open Library

Sam Youd

1 series 4 books in order

Sam Youd was an English writer who lived from 1922 to 2012. He is best known for writing under the pseudonym John Christopher, particularly for works such as the Tripods Trilogy and the Sword of the Spirits Trilogy. Sam Youd was born in Huyton, Lancashire, though the surname Youd is associated with Cheshire. He used the name Christopher Samuel Youd for his professional writings, which led to the common but incorrect belief that this was his actual birth name. Among his friends and acquaintances, he was known simply as Sam.

Born
1922
Known for
The Tripods

Series by Sam Youd

The Tripods

4 books in order · 1968–1988

  1. Cover of The White Mountains (The Tripods #1)

    The White Mountains (The Tripods #1)

    1988 · Sam Youd

    Young Will Parker and his friends embark on a dangerous journey to reach an outpost of freedom, hoping to escape the Tripods—alien rulers who capture…

    Read more →
    Buy on Amazon
  2. Cover of The CITY OF GOLD AND LEAD

    The CITY OF GOLD AND LEAD

    1970 · Sam Youd

    Will, Beanpole, and Henry escaped the Tripods but chose to go on a dangerous mission instead of living safely in a Swiss community of free people.…

    Read more →
    Buy on Amazon
  3. Cover of The pool of fire

    The pool of fire

    1968 · Sam Youd

    The Tripods series, written by John Christopher, is a set of young adult science fiction novels set on an Earth controlled by alien Tripods. The…

    Read more →
    Buy on Amazon
  4. Cover of When the Tripods Came (The Tripods #0.5)

    When the Tripods Came (The Tripods #0.5)

    1988 · Sam Youd

    Fourteen-year-old Laurie and his family attempt to flee England when the Tripods descend from outer space and begin brainwashing everyone with their…

    Read more →
    Buy on Amazon

Frequently asked questions

How many books has Sam Youd written?

We list 4 books by Sam Youd across 1 series, published between 1968–1988 — each shown in full reading order.

What order should I read Sam Youd's books?

Read each series in publication order. A good place to start is “The White Mountains (The Tripods #1).” Open any series above for its complete numbered reading order.

Where can I buy Sam Youd's books?

Every title links to Amazon from its series page — see our affiliate disclosure in the footer for how that supports the site.

Bibliography and reading orders compiled from verified bibliographic data. Spotted an error? We continuously correct the catalog.