Rock Lighthouses of Britain

by Christopher Nicholson (Author)

• Used

  Hardcover
  2006

  $8.44

  In this new and greatly enhanced edition of his classic book, which has become the standard work on the subject, Christopher Nicholson vividly describes the construction and history to the present day of some of the world's most famous lighthouses. It brings the story of the rock lighthouse completely up-to-date - from the day the first granite block was laid, through construction, automation, the disappearance of the lighthouse keeper, right up to the technology of today with the use of solar and wind power. This new edition will be a joy to read with its mix of exciting text, some of the most dramatic new colour photographs of British lighthouses ever taken, a selection of beautiful, hand-coloured plans and drawings, a brand new chapter about Rockall, the most unusual rock 'lighthouse' of all, and a detailed appendix. For those not intimately connected with the sea, it's almost impossible to imagine waves higher than the vessels that sail upon them smashing against half-submerged reefs that stir the whole ocean into a raging foam of white water. Man's struggle to build a permanent and durable structure such as a lighthouse on these sites is a story that cannot fail to stir the emotions of anyone who enjoys tales of endeavour, ingenuity and dogged determination.

• Used

  Paperback
  1995

  $4.19

  This volume recounts the history of 12 rock lighthouses in various parts of the British Isles, how and why they were constructed and of the difficulties that had to be overcome. It contains varied information, such as materials for the Bell Rock lighthouse had to be carried to it in sailing ships, rather than in steam ships. This well-illustrated book contains many stories and dramas recorded about the lighthouses and their keepers, such as Grace Darling's rescue bid off the stormy Northmberland coast and the tragedy of the Smalls.