Franciscan missionary friar JunÃpero Serra (1713–1784); one of the most widely known and influential inhabitants of early California; embodied many of the ideas and practices that animated the Spanish presence in the Americas. In this definitive biography; translators and historians Rose Marie Beebe and Robert M. Senkewicz bring this complex figure to life and illuminate the Spanish period of California and the American Southwest. In JunÃpero Serra: California; Indians; and the Transformation of a Missionary; Beebe and Senkewicz focus on Serra’s religious identity and his relations with Native peoples. They intersperse their narrative with new and accessible translations of many of Serra’s letters and sermons; which allows his voice to be heard in a more direct and engaging fashion. Serra spent thirty-four years as a missionary to Indians in Mexico and California. He believed that paternalistic religious rule offered Indians a better life than their oppressive exploitation by colonial soldiers and settlers; which he deemed the only realistic alternative available to them at that time and place. Serra’s unswerving commitment to his vision embroiled him in frequent conflicts with California’s governors; soldiers; native peoples; and even his fellow missionaries. Yet because he prevailed often enough; he was able to place his unique stamp on the first years of California’s history. Beebe and Senkewicz interpret JunÃpero Serra neither as a saint nor as the personification of the Black Legend. They recount his life from his birth in a small farming village on Mallorca. They detail his experiences in central Mexico and Baja California; as well as the tumultuous fifteen years he spent as founder of the California missions. Serra’s Franciscan ideals are analyzed in their eighteenth-century context; which allows readers to understand more fully the differences and similarities between his world and ours. Combining history; culture; and linguistics; this new study conveys the power and nuance of Serra’s voice and; ultimately; his impact on history.
#1237699 in Books University of Oklahoma Press 2002-11-04Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.50 x .50 x 5.50l; .67 #File Name: 0806135085216 pages
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. An impressive presentation and analysisBy Midwest Book ReviewVolume 216 in the outstanding University of Oklahoma Press "The Civilization of the American Indian Series"; Rifles; Blankets; And Beads: Identity; History; And The Northern Athapaskan Potlatch by Northern Athapaskan Native American culture expert William E. Simeone is an impressive presentation and analysis of the Northern Athapaskan potlatch; a Native American tradition in which the hosts have a party for the specific purpose of giving their possessions as presents to their guests; while accepting no gifts in return; and keep very little for themselves. The role of the potlatch in promoting societal cohesiveness; in curbing greed and excess; in encouraging familial and tribal cooperation; and a great deal more is carefully scrutinized in this intriguing study. Rifles; Blankets; And Beads is a welcome and valued contribution to any personal or academic Native American Studies collection.
