Guardians of the Lights: Stories of U.S. Lighthouse Keepers

In a charming blend of history and human interest, this book paints a colorful portrait of the lives of a vanished breed-the lighthouse keepers-from the year 1716, when the first lighthouse was established in America, to the early 1980s when automation replaced the last human "guardian of the light." A wealth of material from the archives of the 19th and 20th centuries-primarily letters, diaries, and newspaper accounts-provides vivid stories about lighthouse keeping in this country: the daily work; coping with fog, storms and other catastrophes; legends and ghosts; women's and families' roles; lighthouse children and pets; the natural world around lighthouses; and the diverse characters of those who held the job. Lighthouse keeping was a unique occupation, now obsolete, and this book is a fitting tribute to these tough, usually solitary, and dedicated heroes who kept the lights burning every night, without fail.

Author: Elinor de Wire
Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Pineapple Press
Published: 06/01/1996
Pages: 332
Weight: 1.26lbs
Size: 8.94h x 5.91w x 0.79d
ISBN: 9781561641192