The Legend Of Lassie – Alumni stories, Greg Christie
Back in June 2015 we shared the fascinating story of York St John alumnus Greg Christie. Greg has spent the last two decades researching ‘Lassie Come Home’ author Eric Knight. The Yorkshire-born author’s novel famously inspired a television series spanning more than 350 episodes over nearly two decades.
In January 2018, we had the chance to catch up with Greg again and were delighted to hear that, Greg’s research will be published as a book, ‘The Legend of Lassie. Greg’s fascination with Eric Knight began back in 1997, when he was confined to a hospital bed with a broken back. “Reading helped to pass the time, and one of the books I read was ‘The Flying Yorkshireman’, by Eric Knight. I was astounded to discover that despite his deep Yorkshire roots, Eric was also the author of ‘Lassie Come Home’, which is about as American as apple pie!” Greg wanted to find out more but was surprised to find that very little information about Eric seemed to exist. “I decided I wanted to write Eric’s story, about how he had grown up in Menston, moved to America and established himself as a renowned writer before he was killed in World War Two”.
Greg came to York St John in 2002 to study a BA in English Literature. “I knew I wanted to write about Eric’s life but I felt I didn’t have the education necessary to do so. I took my original research to York St John, and they told me it was evidence enough for me to apply to the programme”. Greg also received a full bursary to assist him in carrying out his studies. In 2005 Greg identified an opportunity to visit an archive at Yale University which he knew would be invaluable for developing his research further. As Greg’s research was original and in a previously unexplored field, he applied to the Churchill Fellowship for help with the costs, competing against more than 250 applicants. Greg was successful and didn’t just visit Yale but also spent time with some of Eric’s family, even getting to stay with Eric’s granddaughter in Los Angeles, providing him with a unique opportunity to find out even more about Eric’s life.
In 2006 Greg returned to York St John to study an MA in Contemporary Art Practice, which was recommended to him due to its strong life writing ethics and practice module, however midway through his studies, Greg’s wife was diagnosed with cancer and tragically passed away; Greg recalls that the support and encouragement he received from York St John was invaluable in helping him get through this very difficult time. After taking an extended break from his studies, Greg returned and completed his dissertation, graduating with his MA in 2010. In the same year Greg completed a six week lecture tour across the USA, following in Eric’s footsteps as he visited and spoke at many of the places Eric had visited more than 70 years earlier. Not long after Greg returned from the USA he rapidly lost his eyesight, until eventually he was no longer able to read his own research.
Five years later in March 2015, now aided by his companion guide dog, Captain, Greg was invited to Buckingham Palace for a special reception for fellows of the Churchill Trust, where Greg met the Queen and was presented with the Churchill Medallion for his research into Eric Knight.
Two years ago a friend offered to help Greg turn his work into a publishable format. A year later the book was accepted by the very first publisher they approached, ‘The Legend of Lassie’ is due to be published in spring 2018, which is something Greg is immensely proud of, having made a significant contribution to English Literature by sharing the story of an author which prior to Greg’s research, had never been told before. Greg remains keen to highlight this has all only been possible thanks to opportunities and support given to him by York St John University, something he remains eternally grateful for.
Thank you Greg for sharing this wonderful story with us, we can’t wait to hear more details about the launch of your book in the near future!
