The book provides a general history of the times and a background of the cultural heritage of Southeastern Alaska. Most importantly, it contains English translations of 30 of the journals kept by the Spanish officers, scientists, chaplains and artists for the time they were in Alaskan waters. Most of these journals have never been published before in English, and several have never been published in Spanish or English. This is the first time these various accounts have been compiled into one publication.

In 1774, the Viceroy of New Spain, Don Antonio Maria Bucareli y Ursúa, gave the Captain of the first expedition, Juan Pérez, a lengthy set of instructions. Among his orders, the commander was told to treat the Native people he met with respect, and to approach them in a spirit of peace and friendship. The commanders of subsequent voyages from Mexico to Alaska continued to abide by Bucareli's instructions. Both the Spanish and the Native leaders contributed to this peaceful series of encounters. There were never any battles or bloodshed.

The officers were required to keep a logbook and daily record of events. The Spanish ships visited Southeastern Alaska, Prince William Sound, Cook Inlet, Kodiak Island and Unalaska in the Aleutians. In their journals, and in the diaries kept by others on these voyages, there is a wealth of information regarding the Natives and Russian fur traders they met. In addition to physical descriptions of the people and their settlements, there are many accounts of the daily interaction between them and the Spanish.

Through Spanish Eyes was the recipient of the Alaska Library Association's "2003 Outstanding Alaskana Award."

"This book is highly recommended to researchers, students and the general reader interested in the early history of Alaska and the Pacific Northwest." Colonial Latin America Historical Review, Book Notes. Vol. 11 #2.

"It is a magnificent book! I hope that it will receive the enthusiastic attention from the scholarly world that it deserves." Dr. Frederica de Laguna, Distinguished American Anthropologist.