This title presents a superbly illustrated and discerning exploration of the history, heritage, and future of California's Missions. Combining an engaging narrative with historical paintings, archival photographs, and recent full-colour photography, this volume presents readers with a fascinating overview of these iconic institutions. Beginning with an authoritative look at their founding and early history, "The California Missions" then goes on to examine their rediscovery in the late nineteenth century, and the beginnings of the mission restoration movement. Further chapters offer an insight into mission architecture and wall murals, an extensive survey of the rich holdings of European and Native American art in mission collections, and an examination of the challenges involved in preserving their heritage for future generations. This volume also features a concise historical profile for each of the twenty-one missions in California.