26143. Porter, Jane Molloy. FRIENDLY EDIFICES: PISCATAQUA LIGHTHOUSES AND OTHER AIDS TO NAVIGATION 1771-1939. Portsmouth. 2006. 568 pp. Cloth covered. 168 illustrations. The five lighthouses of the Piscataqua region of New Hampshire and Maine are among the most admired structures of their type in America – Nubble Light, York, Maine; Boon Island Light, Maine; Whale’s Back Light, Kittery, Maine; White Island Light, Rye, New Hampshire; Fort Constitution Light, New Castle, New Hampshire. The construction of a lighthouse is not a simple matter. In addition to being able to project a warning light, the structure also must be able to withstand the foul coastal weather, especially here where the North Atlantic brings crashing waves and strong winds. Before a lighthouse could be built, funds had to be authorized usually from public sources, and politicians, whether local or state or national, had to be convinced that the expenditure is warranted. After lighthouse specifications were written, contractors had to carry out those plans. Bricks, wood, iron, and steel have supported the local lights for centuries, although four of the five lighthouses have been replaced at least once. Finally, the lights had to be maintained, a task originally charged to a keeper and often his family lived with him. In addition to the extensive details about lighthouse construction, maintenance, and operation, the author also discusses the design and placement of various aids to navigation, such as the river and ocean buoys that protect mariners from hidden rocks and ledges, fog signals, and breakwaters that created safe harbors. Chock full of superb information, vintage as well as color images and much more will keep you engrossed for many hours. If you get only one book this year, this should be the one. (M). Published at $34.95. Our price $32.95.