A compelling, beautifully illustrated, full-color biography of Fray Junipero Serra, founder of the California mission system. Using historical documents and never before published graphics from church archives, master historian Msgr. Francis J. Weber reveals the remarkable individual behind the legend as we explore Fray Serra¿s life, his work, and its impact on California history. Today his name adorns more buildings, schools and businesses, appears on more postage stamps and is featured in more artwork than any other Californian. That one little man who personally possessed nothing could have occasioned so varied an assortment of interest and acclaim is, in itself, a remarkable tribute to his spiritual and historic stature.