John Van Voorst (15 February 1804 – 1898) was an English publisher of natural history books.
His publications were noted for their good quality, reasonable prices and the frequent inclusion of superior illustrations by notable artists.
[1] He served a six-year apprenticeship in Wakefield from the age of 16 before returning to London to work for publishers Longman, Green, Orme, Hurst & Co.[1][2] He set up his own business in Paternoster Row in 1833.
The illustrators he employed were equally notable, including such artists as John Constable, William Mulready, Richard Westall, Edwin Landseer, and Copley Fielding.
In 1871 his list of current titles comprised 224 books or learned journals, the majority covering topics in natural history.