History of the Jesuits: Their origin, progress, doctrines, and designs

"History of the Jesuits: Their Origin, Progress, Doctrines, and Designs" by G. B. Nicolini recounts the historical journey of the Jesuit order from its beginnings, examining their substantial influence on European society from a critical 19th-century viewpoint. Established by Ignatius Loyola during the Reformation, the Society of Jesus significantly affected politics, religion, and societal norms, acting as a response to the rapidly expanding Protestant movement. The book begins by setting the stage, highlighting the challenges in accurately portraying the Jesuits, whom the author describes as adaptable and deceptive. Themes of rivalry between Protestantism and the Catholic Church are apparent, framing the rise of this brotherhood amidst the vast changes of 16th-century Europe and promising a thorough biography of Loyola and the societal factors contributing to the Jesuits' power.