Mission San Juan Capistrano

New York, New York: Albertype Company, 1949. First Edition First Printing . Soft cover. Very Good. Lovely images of a bygone era in this example of a view- or souvenir book produced by the Albertype Co., which were typically bound in cardboard wrappers held together by a tie-string or ribbon, this oblong small quarto (10" x 8.25") is held together with brown cord (like the corded sashes of the friars) through three punched holes on spine side edge. It contains12 sepia-toned albertypes on sturdy card stock, depicting the Mission in San Juan Capistrano founded by Fray Junipero Serra in 1776, on territory in Alta (Upper) California owned by Spain, governed from Mexico (Baja California) by a Viceroy of the Spanish king. Like other missions established along the California coast, its primary purpose was the Christian conversion of the Natives (American Indians) & their civilization. About 1500 Indians were served by the mission at one time, taught by the Padres or Franciscan friars in the "arts & trades necessary for a civilized life." The Indians (ostensibly) still owned the land, with the Padres serving only as "administrators.'' This particular mission continues to serve as a tourist Mecca, lauded at "the Alhambra of the Pacific Coast, the Melrose of the West." Unpaginated (26 pages), n.d. (c. 1949 per gift inscription inside front cover). Condition is VG: small tear ascending from lower edge of front cover, light random soiling to both covers, slight damp staining (not affecting interior), rubbing, light creasing. One of the 12 plates shows light staining in lower margin, another has heavy staining on recto which mildly bleeds onto following plate. Our photos show the Exact book you will receive, never "stock" images of books we don't actually have on hand. Same day shipping on all orders received by 2 pm Pacific time (PST); later orders, weekends & holidays ship very next business day.