The Spanish missions of the United States are the unique legacy of two very different cultures. Conceived as an expression of the Catholic faith of the European conquerors, they were built and maintained by native Americans who often incorporated their own traditions. A Sense of Mission: Historic Churches of the Southwest presents twenty-nine of the most visually beautiful and historically important churches in Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, and Southern California.

Photographer David Wakely and writer Thomas A. Drain capture the fascinating architectural details, religious significance and cultural diversity of these churches, which were built - and sometimes rebuilt - during the past 300 years. More than 150 color photographs and detailed captions reveal the striking, distinctive exteriors of the churches set against the landscape of the Southwest, as well as the textures and vivid colors of the interiors.

In his foreword, novelist and poet N. Scott Momaday provides a native American perspective on the missions as sacred buildings. A visitor information guide, maps an annotated reading list, and an index to religious and architectural references make this handsome volume a practical guidebook as well as an inviting art book.