In this seminal work, the author explores the history and teachings of the Jesuits, from their founding in the 16th century to the present day. He examines their spiritual practices, educational philosophy, and political beliefs, as well as their role in shaping European history. Written for scholars and general readers alike, this book is an indispensable resource for anyone interested in the history of the Catholic Church. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.