The missions and presidios of California are among the state’s oldest structures and are the most visited historical monuments. These notable buildings are an integral part of California’s history. The state’s recorded history essentially began with the Spanish missions along the ambitious chain of 21 missions on El Camino Reál (The Royal Highway) and the men who founded them. “California Missions and Presidios” is a gorgeous book that presents the history of these intriguing sanctuaries of peace and beauty. The eye-popping photography of Alastair Worden and Randy Leffingwell captures their unique character, while Leffingwell’s accessible text brings to life the overall history of California’s conquest by the Spanish; the construction and operation of the missions, presidios, ranchos, and adobes; and the background of the mission architecture and style. Seemingly unchanged, these missions and presidios have survived the centuries remarkably well—still welcoming visitors as a refuge of serenity and splendor while providing a glimpse into the lives of the spirited pioneers who built these structures and lived and worked there. About the Author/Photographer: Randy Leffingwell is the author of Voyageur Press’s “Lighthouses of the Pacific Coast” and “California Wine Country.” He has written about and photographed Americana for books since 1989. A former “Los Angeles Times” staff photographer and writer, he has been writing and photographing books full time since 1995. His books have been nominated for and have won numerous awards both for their content and their design. About the Photographer: Alastair Worden spent more than 20 years serving his country as a Coast Guard yeoman and then as a photojournalist. His images of Coast Guard personnel in action have appeared on the front page of “USA Today” and in every major newspaper in the country as well as overseas. During his last tour in the Coast Guard, Worden was the Coast Guard Motion Picture Liaison Officer for Hollywood.

Format: Hardbound
Pages: 176
Length: 9.25w x 11h
ISBN-13: 9780896584921
ISBN: 0896584925
Catalog ID: 140967AP

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