This book has its setting in a brief time-space not long after the Progressive movement reached its cul mination. It was assumed that large-scale movements directed against Catholics belonged to the past. But so old an emotion as no-popery proved responsive to a favorable climate. The nineteen twenties were such a time; the decade witnessed a freshening of the tree of bigotry and a harvest of bitter fruit. This demonstra tion of the vitality of the old hate came as a distinct shock to many Americans.