As a Knight, I have read many works on the subject, but this is the most succinct and complete. Though these two compliments may seem to be at odds with each other, I find that none of the salient points from other books have been omitted, making this the book of choice when time is at a premium.

This authorized history of the Knights of Columbus documents the first century of the Order (1882-1982). Kauffman does an excellent job of tracing the struggles and preserverence of the organization that ultimately resulted in its becoming the largest Lay Order of Catholic men in the world.

Kauffman paints the story of the Knights on the canvas of Americana. The reader comes to understand the reasons that fraternal benefit societies were commonly formed in the late 19th century; a time when industrialization and immigration, led men with something in common to band together for for mutual support -- often in the form of a simple death benefit to cover burial expenses.

It traces the efforts of a Caholic priest and a small group of Irish American men to establish such a society in Connecticut. Using primary source material, the author describes the struggles these men encountered: gaining acceptance among the community, approval of the Catholic Hierarchy, as well as the resolution of internal conflicts regarding the direction and government of the society itself.

Of particular interest, is the dynamic of the organization's mission that kept it from the extinction so many fraternal benefit societies experienced as the American cultural and social landscape changed over the next century. How early on, it transformed its essentially Irish American character, into its essentially Catholic character.

The Knights adapted to serve in the ways best suited to the times. We see them conducting relief activities in Europe during the First World War, combatting "Nativism," religious bigotry, and the Klan; fighting the anti-Catholic government of the Mexican Revolution, and establishing the Catholic Information Service to support evangelization.

Without apology, Kauffman honestly demonstrates how the faith and fraternalism of its members sustained the organization and continues its growth today.

This book is a thourgh yet interesting history of the Knights of Columbus with indepth information ranging from it's founding by Father Michael J McGivney in 1882 to the present day. It fully explains the origin of the various degrees, the meanings and implementaion of the basic principles of Charity, Unity, Faith and Fraternalism, and includes a history of it's related insurance company. A must have for members and an exeptional source of information for any one with a casual interest in the Knights of Columbus.

A dialogue of reactions and comments should surely flow from this work, not only for what it includes but for what it does not. I think the thousands of former students of Marianists schools and hundreds of men and women who were once members of the order (especially those in Common Bond) will want to share reactions here or elsewhere about this significant contribution to the history of religious life and education in the US.

Don Wigal