In association with Northern Lighthouse Heritage Trust

The world’s oldest continuously operational rock lighthouse sits on the Bell Rock eleven miles off Arbroath on the east coast of Scotland. Its bicentenary is marked by this volume. In addition to providing biographies of the eight members of the Stevenson family who, over five generations from 1786 to 1952, contributed significantly to the nation’s infrastructure and international lighthouse engineering, the book also sheds new light on the design and erection of the lighthouse and the work of its engineers.

From little-known contemporary sources Professor Roland Paxton provides an authoritative account that clarifies the key roles of the eminent John Rennie and the relatively inexperienced Robert Stevenson. His painstaking investigation reveals that this sustainable marvel of lighthouse engineering was essentially a masterpiece of joint achievement by Rennie and Stevenson in the best tradition of the chief engineer/resident engineer relationship, finally laying to rest the well known and often bitter nineteenth-century dispute between their respective families.

The final part of the book is a reminder that the Stevenson inheritance lives on, with an up to date list of lighthouses the family were responsible for in Scotland and the Isle of Man. Virtually all of these are still operating and from their 18th, 19th, and 20th century structures, now all unmanned, 21st century technologies ensure that the lights still shine.

This book will be a must for all lighthouse enthusiasts but in addition there is a fascinating story here for anyone with an interest in the history of engineering and matters of the sea.

This book will be a must for all lighthouse enthusiasts but in addition there is a fascinating story here for anyone with an interest in the history of engineering and matters of the sea.

'...this beautifully designed and produced volume is both authoritative and informative... ...a fascinating insight into one of the engineering marvels of its age, or any age.' Undiscovered Scotland

'...an authoritative account that clarifies the key roles of the eminent John Rennie and the relatively inexperienced Robert Stevenson. ... The Book is full of extraordinary stories to enthral mariner and landlubber alike.' Nautilus Telegraph International

'This book is a most absorbing insight into the Lighthouse Stevensons and their achievements as a family of engineers. In addition to some exciting new information relating to the completion of the Bell Rock Lighthouse, over 200 lighthouses are mentioned in some detail with several colour plates in addition to sectional drawings of the most revolutionary buildings of the day. There is also a captivating account of Robert Louis Stevenson's time spent as a reluctant engineer within the family business.' Ned Middleton

'Roland Paxton takes the Stevenson story up to 1971 with a series of biographical essays on the whole clan. He lends the story even greater depth by taking a detailed look at the creation of Bell Rock, showing why it was such a triumph of engineering and adding due recognition to the contribution of John Rennie. Dynasty of Engineers is very well illustrated, containing drawings, paintings, diagrams and photographs on the stunning Stevenson lighthouses.' Seafarer

'...Paxton has provided an authoritative account clarifying the key roles of the eminent John Rennie and the relatively inexperienced Robert Stevenson.' Flash

'This fascinating little tome sheds new light on the design and erection of the famous beacon' The Bosun's Chronicle

     'A well researched and written book, well illustrated. For anyone interested in the sea and the role these lighthouses (some built in wild and exposed areas) played in improving safety at sea and the wonderful engineering behind their construction this will be a fascinating read.' Sea Breezes

'The book is hansomely illustrated by engravings (mainly from Stevenson's "Account" of 1824) and many fine lighthouse photographs. ...it includes much original research which will make it compelling reading for many!' World Lighthouse Society Newsletter

'This book will be a must for all lighthouse enthusiasts but there is a fascinating story here for anyone with an interest in the history of engineering and matters of the sea. ... Lighthouse enthusiasts will love the chronology of over 200 lighthouse complemented by numerous colour photographs and for history buffs, the book gives a fascinating insight into Robert Louis Stevenson's experience as a reluctant engineer.' Maritime Journal

'While Robert Louis Stevenson may be the best known of his clan, the family's engineering skills are at least as impressive as the author's literary prowess - a fact that is finally getting the recognition it deserves. ...interest in this remarkable family has never been greater, and this latest addition to the Stevenson oeuvre concides with the 200th anniversary of the completion of perhaps their greatest project - the construction of a lighthouse on Bell Rock, an inhospitable outcorp that juts out from the cold waters of the North Sea. ...it is the construction of Bell Rock itself which provides the backbone of this book. Of particular interest is the key role played by engineer John Rennie, hither to deemed a bit-part player by lighthouse historians. Paxton also includes brief but illuminating biographies of all of the principle engineering Stevensons, as well as some fresh insights into the sickly Robert Louis's reluctant but suprisingly impressive stint with the family firm.' Scottish Field