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Life in a California Mission: Monterey in 1786

Jean François de la Pérouse
Introduction and Commentary by Malcolm Margolin
Illustrations by Linda Yamane

112 pages, (6 x 8), with b&w illustrations
Trade paper, ISBN: 0-930588-39-8, $10.95

On the afternoon of September 14, 1786, two French ships appeared off the coast of Monterey, the first foreign vessels to visit Spain's California colonies. Aboard was a party of eminent scientists, navigators, cartographers, illustrators, and physicians.

For the next ten days the commander of this expedition, Jean Francois de La Pérouse, the commander of this expedition, took detailed notes on the life and character of the area: its abundant wildlife, the labors of soldiers and monks, and the customs of Indians recently drawn into the mission. These observations provide a startling portrait of California two centuries ago.

Reviews:

"A remarkable essay on the nature and character of mission life in California."—AB Bookman's Weekly

Editor Biography:

Malcolm Margolin is publisher of Heyday Books and author of several books on California history, including The Ohlone Way and The Way We Lived.