Vivian Beynon Harris

Vivian (Parkes Lucas) Beynon Harris (1906–1987) was an English writer. He was the younger brother of the well-known science fiction writer John Wyndham.

Early life His mother was Gertrude Parkes, the daughter of successful Birmingham ironmaster John Israel Parkes. (John Israel Parkes owned the Eagle Works at Rolfe Street, Smethwick.) His father was George Beynon Harris, a schoolteacher from Port Eynon in South Wales, who, after passing the Incorporated Law Society final examination in 1889, practised as a solicitor in Cardiff, becoming a member of the Town Council in 1897.

After marrying Gertrude, George became a barrister, a career more suited to their social position.

From 1909 to 1911 the Harris family lived at 239 Hagley Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham but in 1911 his parents separated. His father then attempted to sue the Parkes family for "the custody, control and society" of his wife and two sons, in an unusual and high-profile 1913 court case, which he lost. Later, the two boys both attended Bedales School in Hampshire.

Career Some years later, while he was recovering from a nervous breakdown suffered during World War II, his brother suggested he should try writing.

He and his brother were in almost daily contact until his brother's death in 1969, after which he was responsible for administering his brother's literary estate.

Death and legacy After Harris died in 1987, his bequest amounting to £9924.29 to the National Trust was put towards the purchase of Cwrt Farm, west of Aberdaron in North Wales, where a panel now reads:

This memorial includes his mother Gertrude, his brother's wife Grace and his own long-time partner Lila, but excludes any mention of his father. Trouble at Hanard (London: Partridge Publications, 1948) Confusion at Campden Trig (London: Museum Press Limited, 1948) One Thing Constant (London: Museum Press Limited, 1949) Song for a Siren (London: Museum Press Limited, 1951) Unpublished works include: Son of the Morning (science fiction novel) Jack and me: growing up with John Wyndham (manuscript) John Wyndham, 1903–1969 (manuscript)