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, updated technical data on the lighthouses 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.

Praise for the previous editions:

' Rock Lighthouses of Britain is really terrific. I have seldom read a book so packed with interest, excitement and tumult ...a roaring, thundering, salt-caked, tearing gale of a history that deserves to be a best-seller'.Countryside Monthly

'Nobody born of a seafaring nation could fail to find such a book anything but totally absorbing'. Shipping World and Shipbuilder

'...an absorbing book which I found irresistible ...the illustrative material of this handsome book is exciting and occasionally superb'. Country Quest

This handsome new book is sure to become an essential part of any lighthouse or maritime enthusiast's library and will also be of huge appeal to anyone interested in maritime/British history or looking for an enthralling read.

'...handsomely produced third edition of Rock Lighthouses of Britain. ...His detailed descriptions bring to life the painstaking work of engineers and builders. ...Rock Lighthouses of Britain brings the story of these amazing structures and their keepers full circle and in doing so, Nicolson has produced a valuable record of a crucial and fascinating part of British maritime history.' The Lightkeeper

'...what a book it is, with new and revised text, information, layout and superb illustrations (many now in full colour), this is truly a feast of good reading for casual reader and serious pharologist alike. ... a rollicking good book, a copy of which really ought to be on everyone's sagging bookshelf. Buy and Enjoy.' LAMP