The California Missions: A Complete Pictorial History and Visitor's Guide (Sunset Pictorial) (Paperback)

by Editors of Sunset Books (Author) "The beginning of the mission chain: two widely separated mission settlements established a year apart at the major ports of San Diego and Monterey..." (more)
Key Phrases: two padres, mission chain, adobe church, San Diego, San Francisco, Father Serra (more...)

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Oxmoor House; First Edition edition (December 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0376051728
• ISBN-13: 978-0376051721
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #207,137 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

57 of 58 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent source for overview of each California Mission., April 21, 1998

By	Denise Levine "doglover" (California) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book describes not only how and why the Missions were established, but also gives a history and brief description of each individual mission in the California system. There are some pictures which could help when making a model (the book "California Missions Projects & Layouts" by Libby Nelson is best for actual model-building). But this book certainly gives enough history to be an excellent resource when writing a report. It is also written so that a 4th-grader can read and understand. A must for any Mission student!

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars California Missions worth the journey, November 13, 2001

By	Dan Carrion (Fresno, CA USA) - See all my reviews

I used his book while traveling to the missions with my children. It is an excellent overview of all of the missions. It provided us with a good sense of the history of the missions, and gave a idea as to the extent of restoration and rebuilding that had occured at each mission. It also documents the highlights and special attractions of every mission.

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.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful, July 16, 2003

By	[e-mail] (Westminster, CA USA) - See all my reviews

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.