All civilisations have faced the challenges and dangers of trading by sea: storms, bad weather, and the hazards of cliffs, headlands, reefs and sandbanks, threatening their safe passage into ports and harbours. Lighthouses have long been a necessity, supported by lights and daymarks, to help guide vessels home. Here Nicholas Leach presents the story of the lighthouse, and its development, from the earliest lights, through the 19th century era of lighthouse building to the modern aids to navigation across the British Isles and Europe. AUTHOR: Nicholas Leach is the editor of the international shipping magazine Ships Monthly, and has worked on the magazine for almost 20 years. He has written extensively about lifeboats, lighthouses, shipping and maritime matters, and has published numerous books and articles over his career. He has personally visited almost every lighthouse in England and Wales. 100 colour images