Spanish Missions

John Walker is a professor of Spanish studies at Queen’s University.

Discussions of the discovery of the New World by the Spanish and the
Portuguese in the late 15th century tend to focus on conquistadors like
Columbus and Cortés. However, given the role of the church in the
colony, a more authentic image might be that of the Iberian invader,
sword in one hand, cross in the other.

This most recent contribution to the Historic Communities series
examines the Spanish missions of the colonial period that were
established in the southern and southwestern United States. Each of the
book’s 14 brief chapters treats an aspect of daily life in the
mission: housing and meals, crops and livestock, work and workshops,
children’s activities, festivals and celebrations, and so forth.
Colorful photographs, tasteful illustrations, and a useful glossary /
index enhance the volume. Recommended.