From the haunting ruins of San Jose de los Jemez to the perfectly preserved San Jose de Gracia, the early churches of Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, and Southern California are eloquent testimony to the creative and religious lives of the Spanish and Native American communities that founded them. In luminous color photographs and an informative, straightforward text, this elegant guide offers a detailed look at the history, architecture, religious significance, and folk-art decor of 29 of the Southwest's most beautiful landmark missions. Including hand-drawn maps and complete visitor information, A Sense of Mission pays rich and vivid tribute to some of America's most extraordinary monuments.