Junipero Serra: The Man and His Work (Classic Reprint)

A. H. Fitch

ISBN 10: 0282218963 / ISBN 13: 9780282218966

Published by Forgotten Books, 2022

About this Item

Print on Demand. This book gives an insightful look at Junipero Serra's fascinating life, from his humble beginnings on the island of Majorca to his profound impact on California's history. Born into a peasant family, Serra's path to the priesthood was set early on, but it was his deep-seated desire to convert the heathen that led him to join the Franciscans and embark on a perilous journey to the New World. The author meticulously traces Serra's footsteps, from his arrival in Mexico City to his arduous work in the Sierra Gorda missions. Serra's unwavering faith and resilience are evident throughout the narrative, as he tirelessly learned indigenous languages, established missions, and faced adversity with determination. Beyond his missionary work, the book sheds light on Serra's role as a spiritual leader, his impact on the political landscape of California, and the lasting legacy of his efforts to spread Christianity and establish Spanish presence on the Pacific coast. This book is a reproduction of an important historical work, digitally reconstructed using state-of-the-art technology to preserve the original format. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in the book.

Seller Inventory # 9780282218966_0

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Junipero Serra: The Man and His Work (Classic Reprint)
• Publisher: Forgotten Books
• Publication Date: 2022
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0282218963
• ISBN 13: 9780282218966
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: New
• Book Type: print-on-demand item
• Seller catalogs:
  • Modern History of The Americas

About this title

Synopsis

Discover the life and lasting impact of Fray Junípero Serra through the eyes of a seasoned biographer.

This book presents Serra as both a religious leader and a pioneering figure who shaped early California, from mission work to frontier travel.

In clear, accessible prose, the author traces Serra’s beginnings on Majorca, his path to the missions, and the challenges he faced along the Pacific coast. The narrative balances biographical detail with the broader colonial context, helping readers understand Serra’s motives, leadership, and the enduring legacy of his work.

• Learn how Serra’s early life and vocation shaped his approach to mission work and diplomacy.
• Explore the founding of California’s missions and the hardships endured by the friars and settlers.
• See how Palou’s writings informed later historians and why Serra remains a pivotal figure in California history.
• Gain a portrait of the era’s cultural and political landscape and its lasting effects on the region.

Ideal for readers of historical biographies, California history, and readers seeking a grounded portrait of a key figure in the settlement of the American West.