Bright light, white water: The story of Irish lighthouses and their people

Long, Bill. Bright Light, White Water: The story of Irish lighthouses and their people. Dublin, New Island Books, 1993. 17.5 cm x 24.5 cm. 224 pages including many colour photographs. Original hardcover with original dustjacket in protective Mylar. Excellent condition with minor signs of external wear. Some spotting on page edges. Clean inside with solid binding. Contains a dedication by the author. Includes the following chapters: Foreword by John Gore-Grimes / Introduction / An Historical Sketch: World Sea-lights and Sea-marks / The East Coast: Carlingford to Hook / The South Coast: Dunmore East to Fastnet Rock / South-West Coast: Crookhaven to Loop Head / The West Coast: Black Head (Clare) to Eagle Island / The North-West Coast: Black Rock (Sligo) to Tory Island / The North Coast: Lough Swilly to St. John's Point (Down) / Tenders, Buoy and Lightvessels / Control and Administration / Automation and the Lighthouse Keeper / Appendix: Commissioners of Irish Lights / Appendix: Officials of Irish Lights / Appendix: Lighthouse Keepers / Appendix: Glossary of Lighthouse Terms. There is a great romance attached to lighthouses, whether they be located on wave-washed rocks, offshore islands, lonely capes, or at the end of harbour walls. A mystique which draws the onlooker to look within those high round walls. Bill Long describes why and how each lighthouse was built in its locality, how it functions, and - most importantly - what kind of people 'kept the light' there, and their remarkable way of life. (Karen Millward)