Lighthouses exert a special fascination: to mariners they are a constant reminder of the perils of the sea; for the rest of us they are places of romantic isolation. This comprehensive study traces the history and development of the lighthouse from the birth in Alexandria and relates the fascinating myths and legends surrounding them. For each of the six geographical regions covered, the author recreates the history of 231 lighthouses and beacons, and explores the maritime activities of which they were the focus.