It is curious, in view of the endless discussion of the Jesuits, that no English writer has ever attempted a systematic history of that body. Probably no religious body ever had so romantic a history as the Jesuits, or inspired such deadly hatred. On the other hand, histories of the famous society are almost always too prejudiced, either for or against, to be reliable. Mr. McCabe, whose striking book "The Decay of the Church of Rome" attracted such widespread and well-merited attention, has attempted, in his new book, to give the facts impartially, and to enable the inquirer to form an intelligent idea of the history and character of the Jesuits from their foundation by Loyola to the present day. Every phase of their remarkable story—including the activity of political Jesuits and their singular behaviour on the foreign missions—is carefully studied, and the record of the Jesuits in England is very fully examined.
A KEEPER OF ROYAL SECRETS
Being the Private and Political Life of Madame de Genlis.
By JEAN HARMAND
Illustrated. Price 15s. net.
The career of Madame de Genlis is one of the baffling enigmas of history. For the greater part of her life she played an important role in the social and political life of France.
By virtue of her intimate association with Philip Egalité, Duc d'Orleans, and her high position as the Governor of Louis Philippe and the other Orleans children, the influence she wielded practically amounted to royal power.
She cast her spell over a wide circle, winning admiration even from her enemies, and yet her life has been the subject of a storm of scandalous reports and speculations.
What was her exact relationship to the Duke? was she the mother of the famous "Pamela" whom Lord Edward Fitzgerald married? what was her share in the astounding affair of "Maria Stella"? what part did she play in the Revolution?—these are some of the mysteries surrounding her on which M. Harmand, with the help of many unpublished letters and documents, throws much new light.
The whole truth will probably never be known, but M. Harmand in his elaborate biography gives us an immensely fascinating and vivid story, and unearths many new details regarding her curious and romantic life.
THE TRUTH ABOUT WOMEN
By C. GASQUOINE HARTLEY
(Mrs. Walter M. Gallichan)
Price 6s.