MacDonald Hastings was a well-known journalist,author and editor. He was as a child educated by the Jesuits at Stonyhurst,where Conan Doyle and Charles Laughton among other well-known names were educated.
The book is largely concerned with the history of the Jesuit order from its foundation by St Ignatius.We are taken through the trials and tribulations of the order,many it has to be said self-administered. Also the work done by the early missionaries and the cruelty meted out to them,which makes uncomfortable reading. But at the same time this book also gives many interesting glimpses into the early life and career of Hastings himself.He started work at the War Office,quickly moved to a place at Lyons,where he held various jobs.He worked for 'Picture Post', 'The Eagle',and was the last editor of "The Strand Magazine'.
He also wrote a series of crime stories which feature Montague Cork. ( )