James Kingsland, born James Patrick Brodrick, was an Irish Jesuit priest and prolific writer. Educated in Dublin and Stonyhurst, he entered the Jesuit order in 1910 and was ordained in 1923. His professional life was largely centered at Farm Street in London, and he held an MA from the University of London. Kingsland contributed to various publications, including The Tablet and The Month.

His literary output primarily concentrated on the history of the Jesuit order, with a particular emphasis on its early years. Among his significant works are a two-volume biography of Cardinal Robert Bellarmine and a biography of St. Peter Canisius, both recognized for their scholarly approach rather than mere glorification. His writings provided detailed accounts of Jesuit history, contributing to the understanding of the order's development and key figures.

James Kingsland dedicated the majority of his writing career to the historical study of the Society of Jesus. His research and publications focused significantly on the foundational period of the order. He approached his subjects with a scholarly rigor, aiming for factual representation rather than hagiography. This commitment to accurate historical portrayal distinguished his work, making it valuable for those seeking a deeper understanding of Jesuit history and its prominent figures.

A key aspect of Kingsland's literary contributions involved biographical studies of influential Jesuits. His early major works included a comprehensive two-volume biography of Cardinal Robert Bellarmine, followed by a study of St. Peter Canisius. These biographies were notable for their balanced perspective, avoiding excessive praise and instead presenting a more nuanced and historical account of their subjects' lives and impact within the context of the Catholic Reformation and the development of the Jesuit order.