John Evans

author

John Evans

1823–1908

A leading Victorian antiquarian, geologist, and numismatist, he helped turn the study of prehistoric Britain into a more systematic science. Best known for major works on ancient stone, bronze, and coin finds, he combined a businessman’s discipline with a collector’s curiosity.

2 Audiobooks

The Ancient Bronze Implements, Weapons, and Ornaments, of Great Britain and Ireland.

The Ancient Bronze Implements, Weapons, and Ornaments, of Great Britain and Ireland.

by John Evans

The Ancient Stone Implements, Weapons and Ornaments, of Great Britain Second Edition, Revised

The Ancient Stone Implements, Weapons and Ornaments, of Great Britain Second Edition, Revised

by John Evans

About the author

Born in Buckinghamshire on November 17, 1823, John Evans built a career in the paper industry while becoming one of Britain’s most respected antiquaries. He worked for the paper manufacturer John Dickinson & Co., eventually rising to a senior role, and pursued archaeology, geology, and the study of coins alongside his business life.

Evans became especially important in the early study of prehistory. He is remembered for influential books including The Coins of the Ancient Britons (1864), The Ancient Stone Implements, Weapons and Ornaments of Great Britain (1872), and The Ancient Bronze Implements, Weapons and Ornaments of Great Britain and Ireland (1881). His research and collecting helped bring order and evidence-based thinking to the study of ancient artifacts.

He was widely recognized in his lifetime, serving in leading learned societies and earning honors including election as a Fellow of the Royal Society and later a knighthood. Evans died on May 31, 1908, leaving behind a major scholarly legacy and collections that continue to support research.