John Cunningham Geikie

Born in Scotland in 1824, John Cunningham Geikie became a minister, missionary, and prolific author whose writing reached a wide readership in the English-speaking world. He spent part of his career in Canada as a Presbyterian missionary before returning to Britain, where he later served in both Presbyterian and Anglican ministry.

Geikie is especially known for devotional and historical works such as The Life and Words of Christ and Hours with the Bible. His books were written for general readers rather than specialists, combining narrative energy with a strong interest in the settings and everyday world of the Bible.

Later in life he held church posts in places including Dulwich, Paris, Barnstaple, and Norwich. He died in 1906, leaving behind a body of religious writing that remained widely read for many years.