The Last Of The Conquistadors, Junipero Serra, 1713-1784

By Omer Englebert

Book Overview

The Last of the Conquistadors: Junipero Serra, 1713-1784 is a biographical account of the life and legacy of Junipero Serra, a Spanish Franciscan friar who is best known for his work as a missionary in California during the 18th century. The book is authored by Omer Englebert and provides a detailed exploration of Serra's life, from his early days in Spain to his journey to the New World and his eventual establishment of missions in California.Englebert's book offers a comprehensive analysis of Serra's life and work, including his efforts to convert Native Americans to Christianity and establish missions throughout California. The author also delves into Serra's role in the Spanish colonization of the region, exploring the complex historical and cultural context in which he operated.The Last of the Conquistadors is a richly detailed and engaging work that offers a nuanced perspective on one of the most controversial figures in California's history. Drawing on a wealth of primary sources, including Serra's own writings and letters, Englebert brings to life the complex and often contradictory personality of this influential historical figure. Whether you are a history buff, a student of California history, or simply interested in the life of one of the most fascinating figures of the colonial era, The Last of the Conquistadors is an essential read.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1163817414
• ISBN13: 9781163817414
• Release Date: September 2010
• Publisher: Kessinger Publishing
• Length: 396 Pages
• Weight: 1.49 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 7.5" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

The Struggles of Junipero Serra

This is the second of Englebert's books that I have read, and I can give this one an unqualified favorable review. Blessed Junipero Serra has, of late, been unfairly branded with mistreatment of the natives that he sought to convert.Englebert, however, puts this theory to bed without having the intention of doing so. Published in 1956, this book does not have for its thesis a studied defense of Junipero Serra. The attacks to Serra's character are of recent invention.Yet, Englebert does demonstrate that Junipero Serra deeply loved the natives he sought to bring to the Christian faith. In fact, he was stubborn in his defense of the faults of natives, quick to forgive sins (including the murder of a fellow missionary) and quick to anger the local Spanish Governor by interposing himself between Spanish soldiers and the natives. Englebert depicts Serra as a most strident defender of the natives against abuses (i.e., rapine, murder) by the Spanish soldiers.In short, the lively pace of the book and the gripping detail of an incredible journey make this a very fast read. A large part of the book is made up of Serra's constant battles with the Governor, and his later successors, to encourage the success of the missions, to keep the native converts within the jurisdiction of the Church so as to protect them against abuse, and to ensure the continued success of missionary activity. Through all of this a portrait of the man himself is made more clear.Englebert quotes quite liberally from Serra's journals and the journals of his contemporaries, including those who were opposed to him. To that end, this may be one of the few books found in the English language that liberally quotes source materials for the non-Spanish speaking reader. Thanks to Englebert for this great work of history.