author
J. E. (John Edwin) Copus
1854–1915
A Jesuit priest, journalist, and storyteller, he wrote lively historical and school stories for young readers while also contributing learned articles to the Catholic Encyclopedia. His work blends clear storytelling with a strong interest in faith, history, and education.
1 Audiobook
"As Gold in the Furnace" : A College Story
by J. E. (John Edwin) Copus
About the author
Born in 1854 and died in 1915, John Edwin Copus wrote under the name J. E. Copus. Available library and public-domain records identify him as an English member of the Society of Jesus, and his surviving books include titles such as The Son of Siro, St. Cuthbert's, Harry Russell, Tom Losely, and Andros of Ephesus.
Copus seems to have written especially for younger readers, often using adventure, school life, and early Christian history as the frame for his stories. The range of titles linked to him suggests a writer interested in moral formation as much as plot, with novels that aim to entertain while also teaching.
He was also active beyond fiction. A public-domain author page notes that he wrote articles for the 1913 Catholic Encyclopedia, which fits with his reputation as a Jesuit writer comfortable in both popular storytelling and serious religious scholarship.