A Narrative of the Building and Description of the Construction of the Edystone Lighthouse with Stone : To Which is Subjoined, an Appendix, Giving Some Account of the Lighthouse on the Spurn Point, Built Upon a Sand, by John Smeaton, Civil Engineer.

xiv; 198 pages. Vignette engraved title-page, 23 large cooper engravings inc.maps, plans folding inc. iconic full-page illustrations of various lighthouses. Page edges uncut. A couple of short tears in the wide margins neatly repaired. Notable provenance with three bookplates, the earliest with just the initials J. E. Followed by the Scott Library Collection, Institute of Naval Architects. Finally that of W.H. McAlpine. Many marginal scholarly notes in a very light pencil, adding many useful observations and explanations icluding several small sketches, these are all in a neat early hand. Recently rebound in half calf morocco label, retaining the original marbled boards. A magnificent example of a rare work with an interesting provenance.The Eddystone lighthouse is built on a dangerous group of rocks nine miles south of Rame Head. Smeaton's lighthouse was the third to be built, the previous two having been destroyed by fire, and storm. John Smeaton pioneered the use of 'hydraulic lime', a form of concrete that cured under water, he also developed a technique of securing granite blocks using dovetail joints and marble dowels. A monumental and handsome tome, because of it's size may not be possible to ship overseas.