Lighthouse Disasters by Oliver Scott

Lighthouse Disasters explores the dramatic history of these crucial maritime structures, focusing on their failures due to storms, engineering flaws, and human factors. It's not just about the buildings; the book also examines the lives of lighthouse keepers and the impact of these disasters on maritime safety. Readers will discover how the Eddystone Lighthouse was repeatedly destroyed, prompting redesigns, and how the Fastnet Lighthouse demonstrated remarkable resilience against intense storms. The book delves into the evolution of lighthouse engineering, illustrating how attempts to improve safety sometimes led to unforeseen vulnerabilities. It highlights the high stakes involved in maintaining these coastal sentinels, emphasizing that understanding past failures is crucial for future coastal management.

The book progresses through historical context, specific case studies, and broader lessons, drawing from archival records and engineering reports to provide a comprehensive view. This unique analysis takes a data-driven approach, identifying patterns and trends in lighthouse disasters to inform modern infrastructure projects. By connecting maritime history with engineering principles and climate science, Lighthouse Disasters offers a valuable perspective for engineers, maritime professionals, and anyone interested in learning from the past to build a more resilient future.