An internet click on "California Missions" produces more than 11.6 million references. In that light, is it possible that a new book on this quintessential subject could provide any further information or portray images that have not been viewed time after time?

Yes, in fact, because the venerable historian and archivist of the archdiocese has achieved a further zenith of scholarly accomplishment in this glorious edition of "The California Missions."

Msgr. Francis J. Weber (whose name on the internet yields more than 23,000 references) has exceeded his claim of publishing the previous "penultimate" book on church-related topics by producing this recent hard-bound, 254-page, 9-by-11-inch, 4.7 pound tome on the 21 famous mission sites in California. Like his previously published works (now far exceeding 160 volumes on multitudinous subjects), this book is a product of his fastidious research and intuitive gifts --- a testimony to his 46 years of priestly devotion to research and discovery.

As he states in the preface: "For over 40 years, queries have come daily to the Archival Center about various aspects of the mission story. The format and contents of this book are an attempt to answer many of those questions in a simple but straightforward manner. In an era when critics are gaining a totally undeserved prominence for their undocumented portrayals and inaccurate interpretations of Alta California's 142 friars, this writer decided that it was time to take up the torch."

Thus, in nine fact-filled, fully illustrated chapters, Msgr. Weber illumines the mission story by relating copious facts written with both wit and compassion, and integrates each segment with superb color photos, illustrations of historical artifacts and beautiful drawings. The chapters include a detailed account of each mission --- the founding, legendary friars, missionary activity and a meticulous account of the treatment of the Indians. Related topics range from mission sundials, medicine and architecture to stories of old missions that may be haunted.

Throughout the handsome volume printed on heavy coated stock are center-spread photos of mission interiors and spectacular outdoor scenes that capture the former sense of time and space that inspired the historic Camino Real experience.

In regards to the often-criticized treatment of the Indians, Msgr. Weber skillfully outlines the daily schedule, tasks and teaching methods employed by the missionaries in all their dealings with the native inhabitants. As he states in a chapter on Unasked Questions, "What happened to the Indians in California would have occurred had there been no missions. That's why the missions should be portrayed not as an element of destruction, but a force for spiritual betterment."

His final comment in the book summarizes all the effort and expertise utilized in explaining the mission story: "These old missions should be preserved, as each year Californians are becoming more impressed with the importance of preserving these reminders of the days of Spanish rule and monuments to those self-sacrificing friars who labored unceasingly for the betterment of the Indians."

"The California Missions" ($29.95) is available at Barnes and Noble bookstores.