Each mission is presented individually, and maps show each mission as it was originally built. Many illustrations portray mission life. Period photos and other illustrations show each mission as time and the elements have affected them. The textures, building materials, techniques, and crafts used in the construction and reconstruction of the missions are presented via text, photos, and illustrations.

There are many books that discuss various missions as separate entities. I bought many along the way. For the money, this book is the best at bringing them all together in one place and discussing the interdependence of the whole mission system. Used as either a mission travel guide or as a jumping off point, you won't be disappointed.

9 of 9 found the following review helpful:


Beautiful  Jul 17, 2003 By TJoAn1976@aol.com
A beautiful illiustration of Californias most spectactular monuments. As well as, 21 well written chapters describing each individual mission presently and historically. I have visited some of these missions within the last 5 years.
For anyone who have never seen one of these 21 California Missions personally, this book will make it seem as if they are.

1 of 1 found the following review helpful:


Travel El Camino Real. See the splendor of the 21 missions.  May 25, 2001 By bernie "webviator"
I have visited missions across the country. And each has its attraction. Yet there is something more robust and alive about the California missions. This book attempts to bring it out to you in history, tales, and diagrams. This is a good book to carry as you visit the different missions.

The only drawback is that the bulk of the pictures are Black and white. It looks like art more than a live place that people are in today. Some of the missions are hard to find but there is no excuse to missing the gardens in San Diego de Alcala. The first mission founded July 16, 1769, and has had many lives since.

There are 25 chapters and a fact section. You can even find Mission Recipes like Puchero means "a boiled pot".


The California Missions: A Complete Pictorial History  Mar 03, 2012 By Bob
I have been using this book for years and recently ordered a new copy because my copy was falling apart from use. It is, by far, the most comprehensive book covering California Missions. Awesome historical photographs documenting the decline of the missions after the Mexican Government shut them down. The efforts of many Californians to restore the missions is well documented. This a "must-have" book for anyone interested in learning about the California Missions. Bob Hall

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