A Sense of Mission: Churches of the Southwest (paperback)

Visually beautiful and historically important, the Spanish missions of the United States are a unique legacy of two very different cultures. Conceived as an expression of the Catholic faith of the European conquerors, they were built and maintained by native Americans, who incorporated their own traditions. A Sense of Mission presents 29 of these fascinating and popular churches in Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, and Southern California. More than 150 color photographs feature dramatic exteriors and grounds, altarpieces, statues, carvings, frescoes, and other folk details. The text explores the history of the missions, how they were built, and the meaning behind their symbols, while an introduction by N. Scott Momaday lends insight from the Native American perspective. Visitor information, maps, and an annotated reading list round out this handsome, authoritative guide of more than a decade.