Alfred John Church (1829–1912) was an English classical scholar and writer, renowned for his didactic approach to the translation and retelling of classical texts for young audiences. Born on January 29, 1829, in London, Church served as headmaster at Retford Grammar School before establishing himself as Professor of Latin at University College, London, in 1880. A prolific writer, Church made significant contributions to popularizing ancient histories and literature among Victorian and Edwardian youths. His literary style was characterized by a fluent and accessible narrative, aiming to preserve the spirit and excitement of the original works while ensuring their comprehension by a younger, educationally broad readership. In 'Lords of the World' (1897), Church constructs an evocative historical narrative that captures the essence of the Roman Empire's expansion and societal dynamics. Apart from historical fiction, Church's portfolio includes translations of Latin classics, such as 'The Aeneid of Virgil' (1871), and educational texts designed to foster an appreciation of classical antiquity. Church's dedication to classical education was driven both by academic rigor and the belief in its moral and intellectual value for contemporary society. His works remain a testament to his passion for making the rich tapestry of classical history and literature accessible and engaging.