The Jesuits, 1534-1921 A History of the Society of Jesus from Its Foundation to the Present Time

"The Jesuits, 1534-1921" by Thomas J. Campbell is a historical narrative detailing the journey of the Society of Jesus from its inception under Ignatius Loyola to the early 20th century; it explores the society’s goals, the debates surrounding them, and the marks they made on the world. The story commences by addressing common misconceptions about the Jesuits, setting the backdrop for their story. The author then introduces Ignatius Loyola, recounting his life, spiritual transformation, and the eventual formation of the Society, explaining how Loyola and his followers first struggled and dreamed, aiming to serve God and teach the young, but they also ran into problems and were often misunderstood because of their new ways of thinking about faith and education, preparing readers for a thorough look into their actions and their lasting effects.