Relacion historica de la vida y apostolicas tareas del venerable Padre Fray Junipero Serra, y de las misiones que fundo en la California Septentrional

[28]+344 pages with facsimile plate and map laid in. Octavo (8" x 6") bound in contemporary vellum. First edition, first issue with "PRO" catchword at end of index.

Francisco Palou (1723-1789) was a Franciscan missionary, administrator, and historian on the Baja California peninsula and in Alta California. Father Palou made significant contributions to the Alta California and Baja California mission systems. Along with his mentor, Junipero Serra, Palou worked to build numerous missions throughout Alta and Baja California, many structures of which still stand today. A member of the Franciscan Order, Palou became "Presidente" of the missions in Baja California, and later of missions of Alta California. Palou's work in the Spanish mission system spans from his early twenties to his death at the age of 66.

Junipero Serra Ferrer, O.F.M (November 24, 1713-August 28, 1784) was a Spanish Franciscan friar who founded a mission in Baja California and the first nine of 21 Spanish missions in California from San Diego to San Francisco, which at the time were in Alta California of the Las Californias Province in New Spain. He began in San Diego on July 16, 1769, and established his headquarters near Monterey, California, at Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo. The missions were primarily designed to convert the natives. Other aims were to integrate the neophytes into Spanish society, and to train them to take over ownership and management of the land. As head of the order in California, Serra not only dealt with church officials, but also with Spanish officials in Mexico City and with the local military officers who commanded the nearby presidios (garrisons).

Condition:

Minor wear to vellum, lacking folding map and portrait plate (facsimiles laid in), remnants of original map at back, minimal foxing, bottom tie torn else a very good copy.