John Pitts (Catholic scholar)

John Pitts (c. 1560 – 1616), also known as Pitseus, was an English Catholic scholar, writer, and apologist. He is best known for his work, De illustribus scriptoribus Angliae (Concerning the Illustrious Writers of England), a biographical dictionary of English writers that provides valuable, though sometimes biased, accounts of figures in English history, particularly those with Catholic connections.

Born in Alton, Hampshire, Pitts received his early education at Winchester College and New College, Oxford, before converting to Catholicism and leaving England. He pursued theological studies at Douai and Rome, eventually entering the priesthood. He served as a confessor to English pilgrims in Rome for many years, later becoming Dean of Liverdun, Lorraine.

Pitts' De illustribus scriptoribus Angliae, published in 1619 after his death by William Bishop, draws heavily on the work of earlier Catholic writers such as John Bale and Robert Parsons. However, Pitts' contribution lies in its comprehensiveness and detailed biographies, many of which are not found elsewhere. While a valuable resource for historians and literary scholars, the work is marked by its staunch Catholic perspective, often criticizing Protestant figures and highlighting the contributions of Catholic individuals. He aimed to demonstrate a continuous tradition of Catholic intellectual life in England, even during periods of persecution.

Pitts also wrote several other theological and historical works, including Relationes Historicae de rebus Anglicis which remains largely unpublished. His work represents a significant contribution to the biographical and historical literature of the period, offering a unique and often overlooked perspective on English intellectual history from a Catholic viewpoint.