Us Life Saving Service: Heroes, Rescues, and Architecture of the Early Coast Guard

by Lisa Woo Shanks, Ralph C. Shanks, Wick York

U.S. Life-Saving Heroes, Rescues and Architecture of the Early Coast Guard is the winner of the first Foundation for Coast Guard History Award in the category Best Book on Coast Guard History. This is the saga of the rescues, boats, equipment and stations. These were courageous early Coast Guard surfmen whose regulations said they had to go out no matter how storm-tossed the sea; the regulations did not say anything about coming back. The stories are unique and unforgettable. There was the brilliant and beautiful woman who changed the world s rescue work...the lone survivor of a life-saving crew...the day the surfmen saved the Wright brother s plane...the night Marconi filed the sky with strange sights and sounds and sent surfmen running...the unsung women rescuers...the strange dream that foretold a shipwreck...the surfman who traveled 25,000 miles in a survival suit. The book is richly illustrated with rare, fine photographs of nearly every American life-saving station drawn from the archives of the Coast Guard, National Park Service, National Archives, universities and private collections, nearly all published for the first time. There is state by state coverage of the Atlantic Coast, Pacific Coast, and Great Lakes. J. Revell Carr, long-time director of Mystic Seaport Museum described U.S. Life-Saving Service, as a book of extraordinary drama intriguing to anyone with an interest in the sea or in American architecture. Colin MacKenzie, director of the Natural Research Center called the book highly readable with great stories of life-saving. The best book by far on the subject.

Genres: History

262 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1996

Reviews

[Ann Aldrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely thorough and LOTS of pictures. First rate , comprehensive history.

[Josh Liller · Rating 3 out of 5]

A large softcover history of the U.S. Life Saving Service (USLSS) which operated life saving stations and houses of refuge from the 1870s until 1915 when it merged with the Revenue Cutter Service to form the US Coast Guard (USCG). The book provides an overall history of the service, regional histories, information on boats and architecture, and lots of photos. I would say this is mostly an introductory level book, although some information (especially on the architecture) will be useful as a reference. The writing did seem a little dry to me.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably the best overall history of the USLSS readily available, and by the far the best I have encountered in discussing the development of station design. It may not be perfect, but it truly is excellent and well-illustrated. A superb starting point for learning about the USLSS and its stations.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book on the USLSS that I have found. Its easy to read and has great images. Its another book for the reference shelf in any maritime enthusiasts home.