A leading Catholic historian tells the fascinating story of how the Jesuits shaped the modern world
Since its founding by Ignatius of Loyola in 1540, the Society of Jesus—commonly known as the Jesuits—has played a critical role in the events of modern history.
In A Concise History of the Jesuits, Markus Friedrich, a leading historian of the Jesuits in academia, tells the story of the Society of Jesus from its founding to the papacy of Francis, the first Jesuit pope. Drawing on meticulous archival research and previous scholarship, he explores the profound societal impact of the Jesuits' humanist colleges, spiritual tradition, and global outreach—far beyond ecclesiastical boundaries. In fact, no other religious order has been more successful—or more contentious. Unlike other orders, the Jesuits do not wear distinctive clerical garments or reside in monasteries. Instead, they are educators, missionaries, and religious leaders. They formed a global network led by influential superiors general, while pledging unwavering obedience to the pope. Friedrich highlights their extraordinary cultural and intellectual contributions through their prominent roles in science, religion, missions, and politics.
A Concise History of the Jesuits illustrates the Jesuits' complicated and, at times, controversial history. Through this insightful introduction, readers interested in Catholicism and Jesuit history will gain a deeper understanding of the character and history of the Society of Jesus.
Reviews
"This book is a miracle of concision and good judgement. It fully succeeds, notwithstanding its brief compass, in conveying with no little panache the bold originality of St. Ignatius's founding vision as well as the myriad and imaginative forms that the Society of Jesus took in its truly global apostolate."—Simon Ditchfield, emeritus professor of early modern history, University of York, UK
"Martin Friedrich's history of the Jesuits is already the outstanding reference work in German. It will take the same place in the English-speaking world to which John Dillon's elegantly readable translation opens the gates. Friedrich knows how to balance sympathetic understanding with critical distance. His masterpiece guides us through the complicated global history of the Jesuits. Vivid details make the book a page-turner, excellently illustrating the Jesuit trajectory in the modern world."—Volker Leppin, Horace Tracy Pitkin Professor of Historical Theology, Yale Divinity School
"Friedrich has delivered a comprehensive and concise primer that takes readers, with remarkable clarity and balance, through the ups and downs of five hundred years of Jesuit history. This book is an ideal introduction that highlights key plot points in the Jesuit story from its sixteenth-century beginnings to the present day."—Mary Dunn, director, Center for Research on Global Catholicism, Saint Louis University
"Markus Friedrich sweeps readers through the Jesuits' centuries of exploits, missteps, criticisms, and resilience—assisted by John Noël Dillon's elegant translation. This book will prove a compelling, enjoyable, and required text for fans of Jesuit, Catholic, or global history. A masterstroke by a scholar at the top of his game."—Seth Meehan, Catholic Historical Research Initiative, Boston College Libraries
"This volume represents a major achievement—an accessible guide to the full sweep of Jesuit history that is complete, lively, and consistently insightful. This long-awaited volume clears up numerous misconceptions regarding the work of the Society of Jesus in so many cultural and ecclesial contexts. Every reader will benefit immensely."—Thomas Massaro, SJ, McGinley Endowed Chair in Religion and Society, Fordham University
About the Author
Markus Friedrich is professor of early modern history at the University of Hamburg. He is the author of Die Jesuiten: Aufstieg, Niedergang, Neubeginn, Die Geburt des Archivs; and Der lange Arm Roms?
John Noël Dillon is a senior lector in the Classics and Divinity School at Yale University.
