D. Scott Hendrickson, S.J., D.Phil. (2013), Oxford University, is Assistant Professor of Spanish Studies and Graduate Program Director at Loyola University Chicago. He has published articles on catechetical texts used in seventeenth-century Spain and the Jesuit reductions of Paraguay.

“Thoroughly and carefully researched, elegantly written, and clearly organized, this study serves as an excellent introduction to Nieremberg and his age. […] This book is a landmark achievement.” - Carlos Eire, Yale University, in: Journal of Jesuit Studies 3/4 (2016), pp. 694-696 [DOI: 10.1163/22141332-00304009-03]“Essential reading for those interested in Jesuit studies and the intellectual history of early modern Spain.” - Xavier Tubau, Hamilton College, in: Renaissance Quarterly, Vol. 70, No. 2 (Summer 2017), pp. 767-769“This volume is an excellent introduction to Spanish literary and spiritual motifs of the seventeenth century. Hendrickson ably succeeds in his case for Nieremberg’s continued place in the pantheon of Jesuit writers.” - Barton T. Geger, SJ, Regis University, Denver, in: Theological Studies 77/3 (2016), pp. 742-743“Como suele ser habitual en la editorial Brill, la factura del libro es magnífica en cuanto a su impresión, encuadernación e ilustración, destacando en esto último las acertadas incursiones que realiza en la pintura del sevillano Valdés Leal, el último gran pintor alegórico del Barroco español. Valoriza más la edición la inclusión de útiles apéndices (una bibliografía nierembergiana completa y una selección de decretos trentinos aludidos), de una completa y bien clasificada bibliografía y de un imprescindible índice onomástico y temático en donde se trasluce la enorme cantidad de recursos empleados en esta exitosa investigación.” - Francisco José Aranda Pérez, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, in: Vínculos de Historia 5 (2016), pp. 381-383

• AcknowledgmentsAbbreviationsIntroductionChapter 1. Juan Eusebio NierembergIntroductionThe JesuitFaithful Son of Saint IgnatiusChristian DiscernmentThe Ignatian Exercises: Seeking and Finding the Divine WillDiscernment in Early Modern SpainNieremberg and the ExercisesJesuit Ministry of the WordErudite EclecticismConclusionChapter 2. Catechetical InnovationsIntroductionCatechetical Context: Crying Tears of BloodNieremberg and TrentThe Voice of DoctrineThe Catechetical Examples: Entertaining DigressionsNarrative Appeal: The Open Roads of SpainContemplating the Example: To Bring to MemoryAssimilating the Example: The Story of One’s LifeThe Wider Application of the ExemploConclusionChapter 3. Contemplating the Book of NatureIntroductionNieremberg’s Natural PhilosophyThe Miscellanies: Part Knowledge, Part WonderKnowledge of the Natural World: Ad perfectam cognitionemReading the Book of Nature: Harmony and DeformityContemplating the Book of Nature: The ConsiderationApplying the Lessons of Nature: Deus me fecitConclusionChapter 4. The Spiritual Exercise of ReadingIntroductionThe EusebioProper KnowledgeContemptus mundiDidactic Iconography: Ser and ParecerA Spiritual ItineraryMeditative ReadingConclusionChapter 5. Public Maladies and Prudent ReformIntroductionWords of CounselThe Pain of National DeclineThe CauseThe RemedyPrudent ReformConclusionConclusionAppendix 1. Bibliography of Works by Juan Eusebio NierembergAppendix 2. Cited Decrees from the Council of TrentBibliographyIndex