• Brilliant Beacons

  • A History of the American Lighthouse
  • By: Eric Jay Dolin
  • Narrated by: Tom Perkins
  • Length: 14 hrs and 11 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (42 ratings)

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Brilliant Beacons  By  cover art

Brilliant Beacons

By: Eric Jay Dolin
Narrated by: Tom Perkins
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Publisher's summary

In a work rich in maritime lore and brimming with original historical detail, Eric Jay Dolin, the best-selling author of Leviathan, presents the most comprehensive history of American lighthouses ever written, telling the story of America through the prism of its beloved coastal sentinels.

Set against the backdrop of an expanding nation, Brilliant Beacons traces the evolution of America's lighthouse system, highlighting the political, military, and technological battles fought to illuminate the nation's hardscrabble coastlines. In rollicking detail, Dolin treats listeners to a memorable cast of characters, including the penny-pinching Treasury official Stephen Pleasonton, who hamstrung the country's efforts to adopt the revolutionary "Fresnel Lens", and presents tales both humorous and harrowing of soldiers, saboteurs, ruthless egg collectors, and, most importantly, the light-keepers themselves.

©2016 Eric Jay Dolin (P)2016 Tantor

Critic reviews

"A delightful journey with excellent sketches, renderings, and resources for museums and organizations." ( Kirkus)

What listeners say about Brilliant Beacons

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Great book about Lighthouses

This book is a must-have for all lighthouse enthusiasts. It is both informative and enjoyable to read or listen to.
Very well narrated.
Tells you how the lighthouses are build, maintained, cared for, as well as about their role in the American history.

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Must Listen

If you enjoy lighthouse and/or maritime history...this is a must. I enjoyed every minute. Will revisit this in the future.

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Another great book by Dolin

A fascinating and super detailed history of lighthouses on par with all of Dolin’s other books. At times somewhat slow but a good light hearted vacation book.

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Boring

Based upon review and a interest in lighthouses I looked forward to listening to this book. Instead In the listening of it a fell asleep a time or two. 😴

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