The Jesuits, 1534-1921

The Jesuits, 1534-1921 is a book by Thomas J. Campbell, first published in 1921. This seminal work offers a comprehensive and definitive history of the Society of Jesus, tracing the religious order from its founding by St. Ignatius of Loyola during the Counter-Reformation to the early 20th century. As an exhaustive Catholic history resource, it explores the Jesuits' global impact on education, missionary work, and scientific advancement. Campbell provides a meticulous account of the order's struggles and triumphs, including their controversial suppression in the 18th century and their eventual restoration, making it an essential read for those interested in ecclesiastical history and the evolution of the Catholic Church.

The narrative delves into the lives of key figures and the sociopolitical forces that shaped the Society’s mission across continents. Unlike broader historical overviews, The Jesuits, 1534-1921 benefits from the author's scholarly rigor and his background as a prominent Jesuit educator. Readers will find deep insights into the Spiritual Exercises, the development of Jesuit colleges, and the order's role in colonial expansion and evangelization. For students of theology or anyone researching the intellectual history of Christianity, this volume serves as a vital primary-source-influenced record of one of the world's most influential religious organizations.