John Pinsent
English classical scholar
About John Pinsent
Lived 1922 – 1995 (aged 72). John Pinsent was a classical scholar and historian of classical antiquity.
John Pinsent (2 November 1922 – 3 February 1995 in Liverpool, England) was an English classical scholar, especially in the area of Greek mythology. Pinsent was its editor-in-chief for its complete lifespan and, because of this, it was sometimes known as Pinsent's Paper.
Pinsent was educated at St Edmund's School, Canterbury, followed by Oriel College, Oxford. His university studies were interrupted during World War II to serve in the Royal Air Force. He flew Catalina flying boats based at Loch Erne in Northern Ireland.
From 1950–1953, Pinsent was an assistant lecturer in Greek at Liverpool University, followed by becoming lecturer (1953–1969), senior lecturer (1969–1978), and reader (1978–1980). Between 1983–1987, he was Public Orator of the university. He authored several books on classical Greek subjects, including Greek Mythology, first published in 1969. Pinsent's published books include: Greek Mythology (1969). . Myths & Legends of Ancient Greece (1969). . Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece (1973). . Military Tribunes and Plebeian Consuls, the Fasti from 444 V to 342 V (1975). . Dieux et Déesses de l'Olympe (1986). .
Pinsent was married three times, the third time to the former sister-in-law of the actor John Hurt. His surviving son is the cartoonist Ed Pinsent, and is from John's second marriage, as is his daughter.
Don’t just read it —
keep it.
Full-length biographies made to live with: read them, listen on the way to work, watch them tonight.
- E-book
- Audio
- Video
Instant download · yours to keep · every purchase keeps this site free
Important facts
People in John Pinsent's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped John Pinsent's
Frequently asked questions
Who was John Pinsent?
English classical scholar (1922–1995)
When was John Pinsent born?
John Pinsent was born on 2 November 1922.
When did John Pinsent die?
John Pinsent died on 3 February 1995.
What was John Pinsent's occupation?
John Pinsent was a classical scholar and historian of classical antiquity.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John Pinsent. https://biography.guide/john-pinsent/
MLA: "John Pinsent." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-pinsent/.
Chicago: "John Pinsent." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-pinsent/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
Page generated 2026-09-27 05:08 UTC