In The Jesuits Joseph Rickaby (1845-1932) provides a useful insider’s overview of the Society of Jesus, covering its structure, process of education, government, doctrine, and its history to the earlier part of the 20th Century. Whoever enters the Society of Jesus, or any other Religious Order, does so of his own free will. There is no conscription, we are all volunteers. The intending novice of the Society is examined by four priests appointed for the purpose. They report separately to the Provincial, whose approval is necessary for his admission. The usual age of admission is from about eighteen to twenty-five. Some are admitted as laybrothers. They are put through no course of studies, and are for the most part employed in domestic duties. But they are not servants; they are religious equally with the rest, and wear the religious habit. First published in 1931 by the Catholic Truth Society, this new edition, with reset text includes a number of illustrations not in the original publication.