The Text and Contexts of Ignatius Loyola's "Autobiography"

Reviews / Votes

"Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the society of Jesus (the Jesuits), comes alive in a remarkably concise volume that will be accessible and helpful to interested readers ranging from advanced high school students to accomplished scholars." -Choice "This is a must read for anyone interested in Ignatian Spirituality. McManamon skillfully integrates material from psychology, anthropology, and scripture studies as he critically examines the influence of the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles on the ACTA of Ignatius. There is an abundance of background historical material to assist the reader in understanding why and how Ignatius gives us this story of his life." -- -Deacon David Keene, Ph.D. Archdiocese of Chicago "John McManamon reads Ignatius of Loyola's autobiography with wonderful precision and insight. His finely crafted interpretation illuminates the life of the founder of the Jesuits; teases out the meanings that Ignatius himself found in his encounters and experiences; and helps to explain the creation and rise of the Jesuit order." -- -Anthony Grafton Princeton University "In this fresh and refreshing study, John McManamon makes a compelling case for reading Ignatius of Loyola's autobiography not just as the record of Ignatius's search for how he should serve God, but as the foundational text for the Society of Jesus. His book will be essential reading for anyone interested in Ignatius of Loyola, the early Jesuits, sixteenth-century religious life, and the history of early modern Europe. Indeed, in casting a sharp yet sympathetic light on St. Ignatius's struggles with the sin of vainglory, McManamon speaks-in spare and lucid prose-not only to scholars, but to all those who are concerned about the present condition of the Jesuit order and the Catholic Church." -- -Daniel Bornstein Washington University in St. Louis "This is a rich and perceptive book. McManamon enters into the heart and soul of one of the most influential religious figures of the past five hundred years. Ignatius Loyola emerges as all too human but wise and right on the essentials. McManamon's account is deeply grounded in the sources, well-written, and shows flashes of humor." -- -Paul Grendler Professor of History Emeritus, University of Toronto