Cape Hatteras America's Lighthouse: Guardian of the Graveyard of the Atlantic [Hardcover]

Bruce Roberts (Author), Thomas Yocum (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 1999

The Hatteras lighthouse is more than a guiding light to seafarers, it also stands as a memorial to the keepers and their families who honored a public trust at great cost and who faithfully provided this valuable service. With the passing of time, however, the tides have gradually eroded the beach on which the sentinel stands, threatening to topple the structure. Thus one of the most daunting engineering tasks imaginable has been undertaken to save the lighthouse and move it to a new foundation 1,600 feet inland from its original site.

This book commemorates the event and recalls the storied legacy of the stone sentinel, describing the long history of the lighthouse and investing it with texture and depth in describing the lives of the people who have served here. It is a loving homage to one of the most distinctive structures in the United States.

There are black and white photos throughout, with a 16 page color insert. This title is also available in paperback.

Editorial Reviews

Review

For all lovers of lighthouses it's an up-to-the-minute summation of the Cape Hatteras story. -- Outer Banks Magazine

The authors do a fine job telling the lighthouse's history from its earliest days to the present. -- Greensboro News & Record, September 5, 1999

They (the authors) have compiled a history that will stand as a primary source of information about a landmark... -- Richmond Times-Dispatch, August 1, 1999

This book combines a good historical text with a rich profusion of photos and illustrations. -- Fayetteville Observer Times, August 15, 1999

Vintage black and white and color photographs pepper a survey of lighthouse history which will appeal to a wide audience. -- Bookwatch, September 1999

About the Author

Thomas Yocum is an award-winning freelance writer whose work has appeared in numerous publications, including "Our State" and "Outer Banks" magazines and the Reuters News Service. He lives in the Outer Banks. Bruce Roberts is an award-winning photographer whose work has been featured in "Southern Living," "Sports Illustrated," "Time" and "Life" magazines. Cheryl Shelton-Roberts is also the author of "Lighthouse Families" and the cofounder of the Outer Banks Lighthouse Society. The Robertses live in Morehead City.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 124 pages
• Publisher: Cumberland House Publishing (July 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 158182033X
• ISBN-13: 978-1581820331
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,560,179 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Review by Homer H. Hickam, August 21, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Cape Hatteras America's Lighthouse: Guardian of the Graveyard of the Atlantic (Hardcover)

Cape Hatteras: America's Lighthouse is a treasure to all of us who love what is arguably the most famous lighthouse in the world. The authors should be commended for writing not only a fascinating look into the past and future of this great beacon, but also a damn fine tale of passion, perseverance, intrigue, romance, grand schemes, utter calamities, and vast heroism.

This is an important bit of American history but it is not a dry text. This book is a real page-turner, one that will illuminate your mind as surely as the Hatteras lighthouse on a frightening, dark sea. Like the mariners which once depended on the light to skirt a dangerous coast, after you finish reading this book, you will be grateful for the experience.