A unique and characterful celebration of those architectural gems that symbolize sanctuary, safety and excitement for those attracted to them. Lighthouses reveals the uniqueness and familiarity of these mini architectural gems which stud the coastlines of the world, representing home, safety, life and excitement for those who are attracted to them. Beacons since ancient times, the earliest lights were simply bonfires built on hillsides to guide ships to safety through difficult passages of sea. The texts of Homer's poems hint at lights drawing sailors of the Mediterranean into safety, or luring them to danger. The oldest surviving model of a lighthouse depicts the beacon at Pharos - an icon of civilisation, which the lighthouses of today echo in style and symbolism. Whatever their roots, today these beautiful lights draw us in, capturing our imagination. They remind us of our isolation, and our vulnerability, and their spell is one of captivating charm.One look at Lighthouses puts us in touch with our own ideals of home, reminds us of the brave and noble sailors who navigated treacherous waters before GPS, and conjures visions of howling storms as a keeper winds his way to light a wick and emit brilliant light into the night-sky.
By day, they quietly watch over the calm seas as dolphins and whales navigate the same stretches of water, unaided, as they process to warmer waters. Lighthouses is testament to our enduring love of these witnesses to centuries of ocean's influence on man.
- ISBN10 1844033414
- ISBN13 9781844033416
- Publish Date 11 August 2005
- Publish Status Out of Print
- Out of Print 13 October 2010
- Publish Country GB
- Publisher Octopus Publishing Group
- Imprint Cassell Illustrated
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 144
- Language English