When waves higher than the vessels that sail upon them smash against the half-submerged rocks at the extremities our coastline, the whole ocean becomes a raging foam which continues to claim the lives of unwary navigators. 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. In this second edition of his book, Christopher Nicholson vividly describes the construction and history to the present day of some of the world's most famous lighthouses. Book jacket.