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Brilliant Beacons: A History of the American Lighthouse
Brilliant Beacons A History of the American Lighthouse Author:Eric Jay Dolin An extraordinary work of historical detection and originality, Brilliant Beacons vividly reframes America?s history through the development of its lighthouses.In a work rich in maritime lore and brimming with original historical detail, Eric Jay Dolin, the best-selling author of Leviathan, presents the most comprehensive history of American ligh... more »thouses ever written, telling the story of America through the prism of its beloved coastal sentinels. Set against the backdrop of an expanding nation, Brilliant Beacons traces the evolution of America?s lighthouse system, highlighting the political, military, and technological battles fought to illuminate the nation?s hardscrabble coastlines. In rollicking detail, Dolin treats readers to a memorable cast of characters including the penny-pinching Treasury official Stephen Pleasonton, who hamstrung the country?s efforts to adopt the revolutionary ?Fresnel Lens,? and presents tales both humorous and harrowing of soldiers, saboteurs, ruthless egg collectors, and most importantly, the light-keepers themselves. Richly supplemented with over 100 photographs and illustrations throughout, Brilliant Beacons is the most original history of American lighthouses in many decades. 112 illustrations; 8 pages of color« less