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Soldiers Scoundrels, Poets & Priests: Stories of the Men And Women Behind the Missions of California
Includes a Time Line, historic and contemporary photographs and 30 biographies.
262 pages, Paperback
First published June 30, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
June 3, 2016
“Soliders , Scondrels, Poets, & Priests”
Stories of the Men and Women Behind the Missions of California By David J. McLaughlin
May 22, 2016
‘The living history of California’s missions is a mosaic of piety and passion, heroism and greed. “Soliders, Scoundrels, Poets & Priests” puts flesh and blood on a profoundly important time in California’s history, an extended period of evolution from wilderness to territory to state.
Meet familiar friends like Junipero Serra who founded the first missions and John Charles Freemont, the pathfinder who helped the territory win statehood. Discover the lesser known, but equally important characters in the play, like Pio Pico who illegally sold mission lands and buildings to enrich his friends and himself, or Franciso Hermenegildo Garces, the “Daniel Boone in Franciscan garb.”’
This book was a fascinating read with an impressive array of historical and contemporary photographs. If you enjoy history, especially when it specifically focuses on a state you might like or live in this book is for you.
Many of the people mentioned in this book I have heard of and some I have not; regardless, McLaughlin brings out their personal endeavors that have played a major role in making California the state that it is today. It was a delight to read the colorful mark they made on their world. It was educational as well in learning the facts of Spain’s intent toward California, and neighboring Mexican, in relation to the Missions, as well as another one of its conquests.
A few of the missions the author mentions I have visited and explored. They are as follows: Mission San Jose of Fremont; Mission San Juan Bautista of San Juan; and Mission Santa Cruz of Monterey.
I must admit exploring missions of old no matter what state they are in is a definite treat; add the fact that you are bent toward religious devotion and the adventure can be divinely inspiring. This book is a great read for its historical and factual value. I recommend it.
Stories of the Men and Women Behind the Missions of California By David J. McLaughlin
May 22, 2016
‘The living history of California’s missions is a mosaic of piety and passion, heroism and greed. “Soliders, Scoundrels, Poets & Priests” puts flesh and blood on a profoundly important time in California’s history, an extended period of evolution from wilderness to territory to state.
Meet familiar friends like Junipero Serra who founded the first missions and John Charles Freemont, the pathfinder who helped the territory win statehood. Discover the lesser known, but equally important characters in the play, like Pio Pico who illegally sold mission lands and buildings to enrich his friends and himself, or Franciso Hermenegildo Garces, the “Daniel Boone in Franciscan garb.”’
This book was a fascinating read with an impressive array of historical and contemporary photographs. If you enjoy history, especially when it specifically focuses on a state you might like or live in this book is for you.
Many of the people mentioned in this book I have heard of and some I have not; regardless, McLaughlin brings out their personal endeavors that have played a major role in making California the state that it is today. It was a delight to read the colorful mark they made on their world. It was educational as well in learning the facts of Spain’s intent toward California, and neighboring Mexican, in relation to the Missions, as well as another one of its conquests.
A few of the missions the author mentions I have visited and explored. They are as follows: Mission San Jose of Fremont; Mission San Juan Bautista of San Juan; and Mission Santa Cruz of Monterey.
I must admit exploring missions of old no matter what state they are in is a definite treat; add the fact that you are bent toward religious devotion and the adventure can be divinely inspiring. This book is a great read for its historical and factual value. I recommend it.
May 18, 2025
Nice, small histories of notable people involved with the Missions. The pictures are great and the appendices are very helpful for putting the vignettes in to context.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews