Austin Stevens, a globally recognized and accomplished individual, made his debut in the world in Pretoria, South Africa, where the seeds of his fascination with snakes were sown at a remarkably young age of twelve. By the time he had completed his formal educational journey, his reptile collection had evolved into an astonishing assemblage of extraordinary and venomous species from around the world, a testament to his unwavering passion, dedication, and relentless pursuit of his interests.
John Stevens' formative years were characterized by the profound impact of a significant life event, the passing of his mother, whose chronic illness had been a persistent presence throughout his childhood. Her eventual demise, when Stevens was still in his thirties, left an indelible mark on his life, forever altering the trajectory of his personal and professional journey.
In stark contrast, his father, a hardworking individual, operated a small but reliable typewriter repair business, providing a stable and modest foundation for the family. This steady source of income allowed Stevens to grow up in a relatively stable environment, free from the financial anxieties that often accompany uncertainty.
Austin James Stevens, a man of remarkable character and entrepreneurial flair, was the paternal grandfather of Stevens, whose adventurous spirit was undoubtedly influenced by his grandfather's fearless nature. A co-founder of the AJS Motorbike Corporation, Austin James Stevens was a trailblazer in every sense, and his decision to leave his native Bristol, England, and set sail for the uncharted territories of Africa was a bold and daring move that would have a lasting impact on his grandson.
