Learn about the rich history of Mission San José: how it started, the people who ran it, the indigenous population, and its legacy today.

This copious collection of reminiscences, reports, letters, and documents allows readers to experience the vast and varied landscape of early California from the viewpoint of its inhabitants. What emerges is not the Spanish California depicted by casual visitors—a culture obsessed with finery, horses, and fandangos—but an ever-shifting world of aspiration and tragedy, pride and loss. Conflicts between missionaries and soldiers, Indians and settlers, friends and neighbors spill from these pages, bringing the ferment of daily life into sharp focus.

Discusses the founding, building, operation, closing, and restoration of the San Jose Mission and its role in California history.

A Cross of Thorns reexamines a chapter of California history that has been largely forgotten -- the enslavement of California's Indian population by Spanish missionaries from 1769 to 1821. California's Spanish missions are one of the state's major tourist attractions, where visitors are told that peaceful cultural exchange occurred between Franciscan friars and California Indians.

Under Many Flags" is an anthology that serves as a remarkable compendium of narratives, each thriving on the richness of diverse experiences and literary articulations. This collection traverses a wide array of themes, including identity, heritage, and the complexities of belonging in a constantly changing world. Through a myriad of literary styles, from poignant short stories to evocative essays, the anthology offers a panoramic view of the human condition. The varied literary styles, carefully curated, showcase the diversity and significance of the works included, navigating the reader through historical depths and contemporary dilemmas alike, making this collection invaluable for those seeking to understand the nuances of cultural intersections. The contributing authors, Elsie Singmaster and Katharine Scherer Cronk, bring their unique backgrounds and rich literary experiences to the anthology, infusing it with a depth that spans geological and temporal boundaries. Their collective contributions reflect not only on their personal journeys and insights but also echo broader historical, cultural, and literary movements. This confluence of perspectives enriches the reader's understanding of the collections overarching themes, illuminating both the diversity of human experience and the common threads that bind these varied narratives together. "Under Many Flags" is more than just an anthology; it is an invitation to explore a multiplicity of perspectives, styles, and themes. For educators, students, and lovers of literature alike, this collection offers a unique opportunity to delve into a rich tapestry of human experiences, thoughts, and emotions. It encourages a deep engagement with the text, fostering a dialogue between the different authors works and the readers own understanding of the world. This anthology promises to be a valuable resource for anyone looking to broaden their literary horizons and appreciate the beauty of diversity encapsulated under many flags.