author

J. (John) Church

A Victorian scholar and storyteller, he retold Greek and Roman classics in clear, lively prose that helped generations of younger readers discover the ancient world. His books blend learning with adventure, making old epics feel surprisingly approachable.

23 Audiobooks

The Believer's Confidence in a Faithful God and the Needless Triumph of His Enemies Considered, in a Sermon, Preached on Lord's Day Morning, November 23, 1817, at Seven O'clock, at the Surrey Tabernacle

by J. (John) Church

The Nature of a Gospel Church A Confession of Evangelical Principles; and the Members' Covenant. Intended for the Use of the Church of Christ.

by J. (John) Church

Consolation in Life and Death, Derived from the Life of Christ Being the substance of a sermon on the death of Mrs. Turner, preached at the Surrey Tabernacle, on Sunday evening, the 15th of August, 1824

by J. (John) Church

A Confession of Evangelical Principles in a letter to a friend

by J. (John) Church

The Voice of Faith in the Valley of Achor: Vol. 1 [of 2] being a series of letters to several friends on religious subjects

by J. (John) Church

A Feast for Serpents Being the substance of a sermon, preached at the Obelisk Chapel, on Sunday evening, March 21, 1813

by J. (John) Church

The Glory of Grace Effected by Weak Means Being the Substance of a Sermon, Preached on the Death of Samuel Church, Aged Twelve Years. On Sunday Evening, April 14, 1822, by J. Church, at the Surrey Tabernacle.

by J. (John) Church

The Speedy Appearance of Christ Desired by the Church Being the Substance of a Sermon, Preached on the Death of a Friend, August 27, 1815

by J. (John) Church

The Descent of the Branch into the Waters of Sorrow, to Bring up the Election of Grace Being the Substance of a Sermon, Preached by J. Church, of the Surrey Tabernacle

by J. (John) Church

The Foundling; or, The Child of Providence

by J. (John) Church

The Morning of Spiritual Youth Improved, in the Prospect of Old Age and Its Infirmities Being a Literal and Spiritual Paraphrase on the Twelfth Chapter of Ecclesiastes. In a Series of Letters.

by J. (John) Church

The Glorious Law-Giver, and the Obedient Subject Being the Substance of a Sermon, on the Duty of All Believers to Commemorate the Death of the Redeemer, in the Lord's Supper. Intending to Set Forth the Authority of Christ; the Nature of the Ordinance; and a Description of the Persons Who Have a Right to Partake of the Same.

by J. (John) Church

The Precious Name, Proofs of the Godhead, and a Hymn

by J. (John) Church

The Elder Son Explained, and the Romish Church Exposed

by J. (John) Church

The Sacrifice of Life Slain by the Twenty-nine Instruments of Death Being the Substance of a Sermon Preached on Sunday Morning, Nov. 28, 1813 at the Obelisk Chapel

by J. (John) Church

Christ the True Melchisedec Being the substance of a sermon, preached on Sunday evening, July 24th, 1813, at the Obelisk Chapel

by J. (John) Church

The Thirteen Names of the First Patriarchs, Considered as Figurative of the Progressive Influence of the Spirit. Being the Substance of Two Sermons, Preached on Wednesday March 24, and April 3, 1811, at the Obelisk Chapel

by J. (John) Church

The Living Letter, Written with the Pen of Truth Being the Substance of a Sermon, Preached at the Obelisk Chapel, St. George's Fields, on Sunday Morning, Sept. 26, 1813.

by J. (John) Church

The Voice of Faith in the Valley of Achor: Vol. 2 [of 2] being a series of letters to several friends on religious subjects

by J. (John) Church

A Few Remarks on the Scripture History of Saul and the Witch of Endor

by J. (John) Church

Is This Your Likeness? A Scriptural Definition of Hypocrisy and Sincerity

by J. (John) Church

Spiritual Victories Through the Light of Salvation

by J. (John) Church

The Gracious Designs of God, Accomplished by the Malice of His Enemies Being the Substance of an Address, Delivered on Wednesday, November 24th, 1819, at the Surrey Tabernacle, by J. Church, Being the Day of His Deliverance.

by J. (John) Church

About the author

Born in London in 1829, Alfred John Church was educated at King's College London and Lincoln College, Oxford. He took holy orders and worked as a schoolmaster before becoming headmaster of Henley Royal Grammar School.

Church is best remembered for bringing classical literature to a wider audience. He wrote and adapted many works based on Greek and Roman history and myth, including well-known retellings such as The Aeneid for Boys and Girls and stories drawn from Homer and other ancient authors.

Alongside his writing, he was a respected classical scholar who helped make ancient texts more readable for general and younger readers. He died in 1912, but his retellings have remained in print because of their simple style and lasting sense of adventure.