Originally published in 1929, profound changes, political, social, economic and intellectual, had taken place during the previous fifty years in the environment of civilized man, and it was still doubtful whether or not he would succeed in understanding them and adapting himself to meet them. That is the "ordeal" which forms the subject of these lectures, delivered in the autumn of 1928 under the auspices of the Sir Halley Stewart Trust. The trust was founded in 1924 for research towards the Christian ideal in all social life.

This book is a re-issue originally published in 1929. The language used and views portrayed are a reflection of its era and no offence is meant by the Publishers to any reader by this re-publication.