Anatomy of the lighthouse

"This fascinating book examines lighthouses inside and out, from the primitive beacon and the fabled Pharos of the ancient world to the "Texas towers" of modern times. It includes a survey of the meteorological and coastal-geographical conditions that engendered the original need for lighthouses at treacherous sites, as well as the causes of the hazards, including violent hurricanes and slow, inexorable erosion, that pose a constant threat to the continuing existence of today's aids to navigation. The anatomy of the different types of lighthouse that evolved in response to the challenges thrown up by specific locations are explained and examined, from onshore masonry and cast-iron towers to the submerged screwpile and caisson structures that finally enabled offshore lighthouse construction, both out at sea and within navigable inland waterways."--Provided by the publisher.