The Ultimate Book of Lighthouses: History-Legend-Lore-Design-Technology-Romance

by Samuel Willard Crompton, Michael J. Rhein, Sara Hunt (Editor)

The sheer beauty of the elegant, lonely lighthouses along our shores — and their unspoiled, scenic natural settings — has captivated our collective imagination. More than simply picturesque, the lighthouse has become an enduring symbol of salvation, fortitude, and heroic folklore. The Ultimate Lighthouse Book is a panoramic, lavishly illustrated history of these legendary buildings and celebrates the rich heritage of our ancestors’ courageous efforts to guide mariners through treacherous seas and storms. Over 200 color photographs are featured in this fully revised, expanded and updated edition.

Genres: Nonfiction, Travel, Reference, Architecture, History

352 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2000

Reviews

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This really is an "ultimate book of lighthouses". It is filled with beautiful pictures and also includes the history and status (as of the publication of the book) of lighthouses all around the world. I learned a great deal about maritime travel and tragedy. A most interesting fact I found in this book was that Mark Twain actually crafted his pen name from steamboat lingo. A depth of two fathoms is called "mark twain". Another interesting fact is the 5,999 vessels wrecked between 1878 and 1898 on the Great Lakes. This book has only whet my whistle for more research into lighthouses.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love lighthouses and have always found them wonderful. However, there was, and is, a lot I don’t know. This book was a fun read with awe inspiring pictures. Of course, now, I want a lighthouse and I don’t mean the multiple small replicas I have.

[Wyrd · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some nice pictures and a few good anecdotes but seems to ignore the history of lighthouses. Very America focused.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of great pictures and an overview of Lighthouses. Focus is primarily on North America.

[Søren Warland · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are someone who enjoys maritime history, traveling to coastal towns, or admiring historical buildings and structures, then this is the book for you. Filled with beautiful photos of lighthouses that are principally in the US and Canada, there is plenty of information on the technological and social history of lighthouses as well. You'll probably want to journey out to see many of these majestic landmarks after reading the book.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

the book has great info and beautiful pictures of the lighthouses. My only negative is that the map does not list every lighthouse. For example the map does not show any lighthouses in Georgia but I have toured the ones at St. Simon and Tybee Islands. (It does mention tybee island lighthouse several times}Great book if you like lighthouses!