Mission Memoirs: A Collection of Photographs, Sketches & Reflections of California's Past [Hardcover]

Terry Ruscin (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

Mr. Ruscin first showed me many of his photographs of the California missions in 1997. At first, was reluctant, my thought being that as former curator of The James S. Copley Library, I'd seen just about every book about California missions. However, Mr. Ruscin's photographs were so aesthetically and professionally pleasing, and were enhanced by his informative, factual and readable text that I've reviewed this project for two years. The author photographer documents the intense dedication needed for the building of all the California missions, never disparaging Fray Junipero Serra's efforts. Fair-minded and informed-with a keen understanding of the realities behind this epic plan- Ruscin has created a monumental work.Richard Reilly, former curator of The James S. Copley Library and former arts critic of The San Diego Union-TribuneTerry Ruscin has produced a classic work. Commemorating and honoring one of California's most loved and valuable legacies, the book is impeccably crafted. Ruscin's exquisite drawings and photographs of the architectural details of each mission radiate his own heartfelt admiration of the Franciscan missionaries' devotion,Tom Lewis, Editorial and Design Director, Tehabi Books, Del Mar, CA. This is a photo essay, an adventure undertaken half in boastful jest, of visits to each of California's Franciscan missions. Through time and with camera in hand, executive Terry Ruscin visited, studied, and changed his impressions, as he changed his camera lenses, to see the history of the Upper California missions in an entirely new light.... The text exudes poetry, brilliantly, timelessly.... Ruscin's view bridges that of the historian and the casual tourist, the scientist and the artist, the believer and the non-believer. As a photo essay, it captures what remains there now and may not be there later. It is most definitely a place to start in one's own assessment of what were, and are, the Upper California missions. --Therese Muranaka, Ph.D., Archaeologist; former curator, Junipero Serra Museum, San Diego, CA

From the Publisher

Mission Memoirs by award winning designer Terry Ruscin, is the only current book that covers and illustrates all of the California missions, the four asistencias, and the presidios associated with the missions. Additionally, some of the historic estancias (mission ranch outposts) are covered. This photographic essay features photography that focuses to a large extent on the way the missions used to be, free of modern obstructions. First-time photographs of restricted areas, sketches, and watercolors point out previously overlooked details. The text weaves together keen personal observation with an abundance of historical facts and information, based on years of extensive research and interviews. This book offers a balanced view of native Californians and mission fathers. The author has written, photographed, illustrated, and designed Mission Memoirs. Purchase of this book supports restoration and renovation of the missions through Mervyn's Foundation.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 203 pages
• Publisher: Sunbelt Publications; 1st edition (September 15, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0932653308
• ISBN-13: 978-0932653307
• Product Dimensions: 13.3 x 11.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,733,241 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is breathtaking, November 9, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Mission Memoirs: A Collection of Photographs, Sketches & Reflections of California's Past (Hardcover)

I've never been much for history-- until reading this book. The photographs are lush and gorgeous; the text is rich and personal; the mere layout of the artwork is striking. It's really a wonderful work!

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars my favorite photo book of the Missions...., November 19, 2002

By 

Craig Chalquist, PhD, author of TERRAPSYCHOLO... (Bay Area, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mission Memoirs: A Collection of Photographs, Sketches & Reflections of California's Past (Hardcover)

....and written with a lively and moving commentary. Well worthy the money and very informative, each chapter giving a brief history of a particular Mission, some personal reactions, and of course the photographs. The author went out of his way to eliminate contemporary influences like cars and planes and streets; the reader gets a feel for what each Mission might have looked like long ago.

Caveat: if you are aware of how much many of the so-called Mission Indians suffered under a system of religious slavery, you might not welcome the author's effusive tone. My reaction to visiting the Serra Missions was not spiritual delight, but anger, sorrow, and nausea. (My Cherokee ancestors walked The Trail Where We Cried.) At the same time, the author doesn't pitch religion; he photographs and writes up his reactions, and his sense of wonder comes through nicely.

3 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 2000 Benjamin Franklin Award Winner, July 4, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Mission Memoirs: A Collection of Photographs, Sketches & Reflections of California's Past (Hardcover)

Mission Memoirs recently won a 2000 Benjamin Franklin Award, and is one of 29 titles included in the Rounce & Coffin Club's Annual Western Books Exhibition.