An edition of Jesuits: A Multibiography (1995)

Jesuits

A Multibiography

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October 13, 2020 | History
An edition of Jesuits: A Multibiography (1995)

Jesuits

A Multibiography

  • 2 Want to read
  • 2 Currently reading

A tour de force narrative history that provides readers with detailed and engrossing biographies of several notable Jesuits. French journalist Lacouture (De Gaulle, 1992, etc.) has crafted an original approach to Jesuit history here. Instead of following a traditional, chronological history of the Society of Jesus, he has chosen to provide a ""multibiography"" that emphasizes the contributions of a few innovators, including the movement's founder, St. Ignatius of Loyola. Lacouture has been quixotic in his sampling, choosing occasionally to highlight some obscure, understudied Jesuit in lieu of a more celebrated priest. But despite the eclectic nature of his foci, Lacouture proves he is no dilettante. The result is a nearly perfect blend of stories from various cultures, and the author, a gifted raconteur, is always passionate about his subject matter. He challenges the widely held stereotype that the Society was driven solely by blind obedience to Rome and instead explores the Jesuits' evolving commitments to syncretism and cultural exchange. As the Society founded missions in diverse cultures, Lacouture maintains, it abandoned much of its absolutism in favor of a Christianity that would adapt to its surroundings and ""be all things to all men."" Lacouture traces the development of Jesuit missions in regions as far-flung as Japan, India, and Paraguay and demonstrates a surprisingly profound knowledge of non-European histories. He also reveals some of the ""forgotten"" history of the Jesuit movement, such as the short-lived attempt to establish a sister order in the 16th century. Lacouture's historical reconstructions are greatly enhanced by his prolific use of diaries, memoirs, and letters. That the book is so well-written is pleasantly surprising, since it has been translated and abridged from the bestselling two-volume French edition. Beautifully told, with an occasional dose of sardonic humor, Lacouture's well-crafted ""multibiography"" is destined to become a classic of Jesuit studies.

Publish Date
Publisher
Counterpoint
Language
English
Pages
582

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Previews available in: English

Edition Availability
Cover of: Jesuits
Jesuits: A Multibiography
October 1, 1997, Counterpoint
Paperback in English
Cover of: Jesuits
Jesuits: a multibiography
1996, Harvill
in English
Cover of: Jesuits
Jesuits: A Multibiography
November 1995, Counterpoint
Hardcover in English
Cover of: Jesuits
Jesuits: a multibiography
1995, Counterpoint
in English

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Book Details


First Sentence

"LAME MAN PULLED himself along the banks of the Llobregat River."

Edition Notes

Abridged English edition of the original two volume French set.

Translated From
French

Classifications

Library of Congress
BX3706.2

The Physical Object

Format
Paperback
Number of pages
582
Dimensions
8.7 x 5.5 x 1.2 inches
Weight
1.7 pounds

ID Numbers

Open Library
OL8707880M
Internet Archive
jesuits00jean
ISBN 10
1887178600
ISBN 13
9781887178600
OCLC/WorldCat
32855376
Library Thing
188850
Goodreads
1365910

Source records

Better World Books record

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History

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October 13, 2020 Edited by ImportBot import existing book
August 15, 2020 Edited by ImportBot import existing book
January 26, 2020 Edited by mountainaxe1 Edited without comment.
January 26, 2020 Edited by mountainaxe1 Edited without comment.
April 30, 2008 Created by an anonymous user Imported from amazon.com record