Alfred John Church (1829-1912) was an English classical scholar. He was born in London and was educated at King’s College, London and Lincoln College, Oxford. From 1880 until 1888 he was professor of Latin at University College, London. While at University College in partnership with William Jackson Brodribb, he translated Tacitus and edited Pliny’s Letters. Church also wrote a number of stories in English re-telling of classical tales and legends for young people. He was a 19th century historian best known for his comprehensive histories on different periods of the Roman Empire, including this one. „To the Lions” is a challenging read. A good over view of history, recommended highly.