A Sense of Mission: Historic Churches of the Southwest (Paperback)

~ Thomas Drain (Author), (Photographer), N. Scott Momaday (Foreword) "The Spanish Catholic missing of the United states are a unique legacy from two very different cultures..." (more)
Key Phrases: altar screen, painted decoration, New Mexico, San Antonio, Santa Barbara (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Wakely's photographs and Drain's writing beautifully portray the ruins and buildings of the Spanish missions of Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, and Southern California. The book includes visitor information, maps, and an annotated reading list in addition to over 150 color photographs of the buildings, grounds, altarpieces, statues, carvings, and details of the 25-plus churches featured. The photography is striking and vivid, and Drain's accessible text explores the history of the missions, the techniques of their construction, how the art was done, and something about the symbolism used in the design of the buildings, altar panels, and frescoes. With a foreword by N. Scott Momaday; recommended for general readers.
- Chuck Malenfant, Louisiana State Univ., Baton Rouge
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

From the haunting ruins of San Jose de los Jemez to the perfectly preserved San Jose de Gracia, the early churches of Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, and Southern California are eloquent testimony to the creative and religious lives of the Spanish and Native American communities that founded them. In luminous color photographs and an informative, straightforward text, this elegant guide offers a detailed look at the history, architecture, religious significance, and folk-art decor of 29 of the Southwest's most beautiful landmark missions. Including hand-drawn maps and complete visitor information, A Sense of Mission pays rich and vivid tribute to some of America's most extraordinary monuments.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books; annotated edition edition (January 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811804046
• ISBN-13: 978-0811804042
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,820,467 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gorgeous!, March 24, 2000

By	"jms63" (San Antonio, TX United States) - See all my reviews

I purchased this book after a recent visit to the Santuario de Chimayo near Taos, New Mexico, which is one of the churches it features. The photos are absolutely gorgeous and provide an excellent feel for the incredible beauty of these wonderful, historical buildings. The book covers everything from each church's unique architecture to the fascinating folk art that can be found within.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Museum of Mission Photography, September 28, 2002

By	S. Brand "sandra807" (United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book features superb photography of the historic Catholic missions built in the southwest states and California. The beautiful photographs, many of them full-page, are of exterior and interior views of the missions, as well as closeups of architectural and artistic details. A short written history accompanies each featured mission, and although there are some mentions of the historical personages and events connected with the missions, most of the histories refer to the physical aspects of the missions such as their construction, remodeling, etc. This is a great coffee-table or armchair traveler book, but one will need to look elsewhere for a serious study about mission history.