This volume recounts the history of 12 rock lighthouses in various parts of the British Isles, how and why they were constructed and of the difficulties that had to be overcome. It contains varied information, such as materials for the Bell Rock lighthouse had to be carried to it in sailing ships, rather than in steam ships. This well-illustrated book contains many stories and dramas recorded about the lighthouses and their keepers, such as Grace Darling's rescue bid off the stormy Northmberland coast and the tragedy of the Smalls.