Hidden among the rolling hills and picturesque valleys of California�s coastal mountain range is the quiet mission town of San Juan Bautista. Forged by the San Andreas Fault; the same stunningenvironment that attracted Spanish missionaries to establish Mission San Juan Bautista in 1797 would invite multitudes of visitors and settlers during the first years of California�s statehood. Bypassed by the railroad in the 1870s; the town saw its population dwindle and seemed likely to fade unnoticed into history. In the 1930s; the structures around the ancient mission plaza narrowly avoided decay and demolition. The community; with the plaza at its heart; embarked upon a slow but steadyrestoration and revival of its former splendor. Today both mission and town thrive as important cultural and spiritual centers.
#1603221 in eBooks 2008-11-04 2008-11-04File Name: B0097CYP5I
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A time in U.S. history when anything felt possibleBy Jennie H.A zig-zagging narrative and some AWOL commas do not dissipate the magic of Margaret Leslie Daviss narrative of the Mona Lisas visit to the United States in 1963. A captivating cast of characters helped to solicit the permission of France. protect Mona Lisa during her voyage across the icy Atlantic and freezing Northeastern roads. and keep her safe during her smash-hit stays at the National Gallery in Washington and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.I have to wonder if America will ever again allow an aesthete and a Francophile such as Jacqueline Kennedy to be our First Lady. In an era where the media scolds coarseness with one hand and rewards it with publicity with the other. where true beauty is lost in the shuffle. where politicians see arts programs as a economic drain and not the soul of a society. is there room for a Mona Lisa?After the exhibit. President Kennedy spoke these words at Amherst College: "I look forward to an America which will reward achievements in the arts as we reward achievements in business or statecraft....I look forward to an America which commands respect throughout the world not only for its strength but for its civilization as well." We came so close in the Camelot years. but have forgotten this wisdom since then. But it is not too late for an American Renaissance.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Mona Lisa in CamelotBy DeeI wanted to read this book as I was a little girl when I watched this family and the sad times they endured. My bookclub at my suggestion is reading this book and we havent met yet but it was a insight to a different side of Jackie that I did not know and history about a painting and two countries I am interested in. The author did detailed versions of the personalities which I appreciated as it was history that I would not have know. Very interesting and I would recommend this book.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. 2 Great SmilesBy Charlie LawverI found the story of the Mona Lisa crossing the Atlantic to visit the United States great entertainment. What a great place this would be if we concentrated more on sharing than destroying our cultural differences and treasurers. Jackie could be very persuasive and determind when she set her mind to a project. I did not realize that the Mona Lisa was so small until I read this book. An education and a peak into the art world with a little glamour on the side.
