The tension of confinement with only two other keepers for weeks on end and the psychological horrors which an unpredictable sea could unleash. How keepers kept sane in the isolation of the rock stations be it via radio chess, model ship building, fishing or reading. ![]() He recalls his work at the Baily, Bull Rock, Fastnet Rock and Mizen head. In his book Butler reminisces about his youth, born to be a lighthouse keeper, the end of a long line of them. Given the limited nature of the profession in terms of numbers of people involved, memoirs like Butlers are incredibly important in trying to capture and remember the story of lighthouse's, their keepers, and the world exclusive to them. Modern technology, having made light keeping obsolete, thus brought one aspect of the human experience to a close. Perhaps it is their engineering, the composition, characteristic and strength of the light itself or just the sheer sense of mystery, danger and a history personal to each of them.īutlers' short memoir is an enjoyable reflection upon, not so much of an occupation, but rather of a way of life, shared by lighthouse keepers and their families across the world for hundreds of years, passed down from one generation to the next, husband to wife, father to son or daughter, before coming to stand still in the 1980's and 90's. I am not entirely sure why I find reading and studying them so therapeutic. I would happily recommend it to any Lighthouse enthusiast.įor me lighthouses have always been an interesting little hobby horse. I must say I really enjoyed this charming little book by former lightkeeper Gerald Butler. Map of Principal Aids to Navigation Provided by An affectionate portrayal of a different era, "The Lightkeeper" gives a unique insight into the lives and characters of lighthouse keepers, their families and the wider seafaring community He describes in detail the tragic 1979 Fastnet yacht race, which involved 3,000 competitors and more than 4,000 rescuers, and in which he played a vital role as a lighthouse keeper on the forbidding Fastnet Rock, towering over the storm-struck vessels as they struggled for survival. ![]() ![]() Throughout his captivating story, he recollects the terrible traumas of crews battling for their lives on mountainous seas, in horrendous, stormy conditions. In "The Lightkeeper" he recalls with passion the thrills, trials, tragedies, triumphs and dangers of serving on lighthouses such as Bull Rock, Mizen Head, the Old Head of Kinsale and the infamous Fastnet Rock. Until they were fully automated in the 1990s, Gerald spent over 21 years tending to many lighthouses around the coast of Ireland. Gerald Butler was one of Ireland's last lightkeepers.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |