Product Description: “Combin[es] matters of biography, science, engineering, technology, art, history, economics and politics seemingly effortlessly and definitely seamlessly. An excellent book and a joy to read.”―Henry Petroski, Wall Street Journal Augustin Fresnel (1788–1827) shocked the scientific elite with his unique understanding of the physics of light...read more

Product Description: Since men first ventured out on perilous journeys across the sea attempts have been made to guide them safely home again. In the face of terrible odds and in the most inhospitable and treacherous environments, human skill, resourcefulness and resolve have provided the mariner with signposts of the sea...read more

A ;ictorial survey of the world's greatest standing lighthouses reveals their historical and geographical import as guideposts and warning lights during the age of shipping. (view table of contents)

Product Description: In use since the dawn of recorded history for the guidance of ships at sea, lighthouses have long been a source of inspiration and fascination. Indeed, a lighthouse ranked among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Lighthouse lovers will welcome this new edition of a classic volume — a superb, profusely illustrated survey of lighthouses from earliest times to 1820...read more (view table of contents, read Amazon.com's description)

Text originally published in 'National Geographic' describes the lighthouse system around the coasts of the United States, from the eighteenth century to the early years of the twentieth century.

Product Description: Lighthouses not only guide ships to safety, they conjure up romantic images of solitude and solace. Through breathtaking color photographs of the lighthouses and their surroundings, explore the history and development of these captivating structures throughout the world...read more