Why read Guardians of the Lights?

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

Book description

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…

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Why read it?

1 author picked Guardians of the Lights as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Eric Jay Dolin

Author

At its core, the history of America’s lighthouses is about people. Undoubtedly the most important actors are the male and female keepers, who—often with the invaluable assistance of their families—faithfully kept the lights shining and the fog signals blaring. Guardians of the Lights presents a wonderful survey of many of the most interesting and unique lighthouse keepers through the centuries, focusing special attention on their noble actions in the service of saving others.

From Eric's list on The best books on lighthouse history.