We just heard that the new book is out:

Lighthouses - Race to Illuminate the World by Toby Chance and Peter Williams

Read a review here: http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/t...icle4786669.ece

Margret, Tried the links they did not come up!!
Rick

I googled the title and came up with this link

http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/t...icle4786669.ece

Not available at Barnes and Noble yet.

Mel,
Got it this time! Thanks!!
Rick

Take the period off the end of Margret's sentence and the link works. This has popped up before - I would say it is a flaw in the software that it includes the period in the link.

Anyway, the writer of the article is pretty "high" on this book, it would appear. It is interesting that he claims Chance won the battle of the lenses, based simply on numbers installed. I think this 'battle' of sorts might be a little more complicated than just numbers. If memory serves me, there are fewer than a dozen Chance lenses in the US. Book does sound as it it would be an interesting and helpful reference book.

Anyway care to challenge his contention that the only light in the NYC area is the non-functioning Jeffrey's Hook and the closest working light is Montauk?

The author's website..

Toby Chance\'s Website

Dave,
I was surprised at his sentiment. It sounds like the USA has no interest in lighthouses and "In Britain, however, lighthouses were - and still are - important."
I am absolutely sure that the lighthouses in the USA are MUCH more popular than here -- at least in the population. And people know MUCH more about lighthouses on your side of the pond, even if they are not of the "lighthousing sort"

I have not seen the book yet. But I know Peter Williams and if he writes as interesting as he talks, than the book should be very good!

Oh and by the way ... the link should work now. Sorry ... I removed the period at the end...

Well, there are lots of lighthouses in the New York City area. Eatons Neck is certainly closer than Montauk and it is still operational.

I read that part too and have to disagree as well. There is also Sandy Hook, Coney Island, Fire Island, and a few in LI Sound.

I wasn't sure if Coney Island was still operational or I would have chosen that one. In fact, many operational lighthouses of CT are closer than Montauk Pt. Some people just cannot do basic research.