J. E. (John Edwin) Copus

Before he became known as a writer of Catholic fiction, John Edwin Copus worked in journalism. Later, as a Jesuit priest, he brought that background into education and is remembered for offering Marquette University's first journalism courses in 1910.

Copus also wrote a steady stream of novels and stories, many published by Benziger Brothers. Titles such as Saint Cuthbert's, Shadows Lifted, As Gold in the Furnace, Tom Losely: Boy, and The Son of Siro show his range: school stories, historical and religious fiction, and books shaped by strong moral choices without losing their sense of adventure.

He died in 1915, but his work still offers a window into early 20th-century Catholic popular fiction. For listeners today, his writing is appealing not just for its period charm, but for the way it ties courage, faith, and everyday decisions together in clear, engaging stories.