(Big Sur south to Mexico including coast and San Joaquin Valley)

AFOOT AND AFIELD IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY. by Jerry Schad.
Describes 176 hiking trips in coast, mountain, and desert in detail. Each trip is shown on a map and nature and difficulty-levels are given. Appendix lists choices of best hikes for various seasons and kinds of terrain. 290 pages, photos, maps plus index,
ISBN: 0-89997-057-5. Order #: WILD8521 paper$12.95.

 

 

ANZA SKY TRAIL. by California Department of Parks and Recreation.
A guide developed for pilots and their passengers to view the southern California Anza-Borrego Desert State Park from a new vantage point. Gives insights into times and seasons to fly, with flight instructions as well as descriptions of natural and historical features that can be seen--gypsum deposits and mines, broad valleys, canyons, towns, and peaks. Maps and drawings, 24 pages.
. ISBN: None. 1979. Order #: CADP3486 paper$3.95.

 

 

BEAUTIFUL ORANGE COUNTY. Lewis. Beaches, surf, missions, sailing, wildflowers. Color photos, 72 large-format pages.
ISBN: 0-89802-173-1. Order #: BEAM0121 paper$6.95.

 

 

 

THE BEST BIKE PATHS OF THE SOUTHWEST. by Wendy Williams.
Safe, scenic, and traffic-free bicycling in Arizona, Nevada, California, and Utah. Describes 56 bike paths organized by state, with maps showing locations, descriptions including mileages, general backgrounds and histories of the paths and useful tourist information; level of difficulty; type of scenery; condition of pavement; availability of food and bathroom; directions and parking. Illustrated, 222 pages.
ISBN: 0-684-81400-5. 1996. Order #: SISC8425 paper$11.00.

 

 

BEAUTIFUL SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. Foster.
Describes the deserts, mountains, Great Valley, coast--history, nature, scenery, attractions. Color photos, 72 pages, large-format.
Inventory = 33. :ISBN: 0-915796-37-6. Order #: BEAM0707 paper$6.95.

 

 

CABRILLO'S LOG 1542-1543, A Voyage of Discovery. Juan Paez.
Published by Cabrillo Historical Association.
ISBN: . Order #: CABR5987paper paper$19.00.

#CALIFORNIA COAST.
ISBN: 0-376-05184-4. Order #: SUNS6391 paper$12.95.

 

CALIFORNIA COAST FROM THE AIR: images of a changing landscape. by Gary Griggs and Deepika Shrestha Ross.
176 pages of full-color photographs many from the air to show overall views revealing how this coastline is changing and the processes changing it.
ISBN: 978-0-87842-612-6. Order #: MOPR5560 paper$28.00.

 

 

CALIFORNIA MARINE FOOD AND GAME FISHES. by John E. Fitch and Robert J. Lavenberg..
Introduces the fish science of ichthyology to help understand California's food and game fishes and tells of fossil fishes in the state's rocks. Then describes each of the fish families--such as surfperch, hake, cod, grunion, mackerel, sea bass, gobies, cabazon, and more. Glossary, drawings and color photos, 179 pages, indexes of common and scientific names..
  ISBN: 0-2001831-1. 1971. Order #: UNCA1523 paper$5.95.

 

 

CHANNEL ISLANDS: the story behind the scenery (CA). Howorth.
Seals, whales, and island/sea processes at National park off So. California. 79 color photos, 48 large-format pages. 1982.
ISBN: 0-916122-75-1 1982. Order #: KCPU0725 paper$8.95.

 

 

 

COASTAL SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA: field guide. by Robert P. Sharp.
Author sets the scene describing coastal processes of erosion and deposition due to ocean currents, sea-level changes, volcanic activity, and uplift of regional areas as well as the regional rock types and the varying influence processes have had on shaping them into their current forms. The creation of marine terraces is especially discussed, explaining how the gently-sloping wide benches near the sea were formed, reflecting changes in sea level due to glacial fluctuations of a few hundred feet. With this understanding, features are further described and explained along 18 auto tour guides of the region's roads. Maps, photos, 278 pages, index.
ISBN: 0-8403-1863-4. 1978. Order #: KEHU0750 paper$17.95.

 

COMMON SEASHORE LIFE OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. by Joel Hedgpeth and Sam Hinton.
Field guide to region from Point Concepcion (west of Santa Barbara) to Punta Bunda in Lower California--arranged by rocky shores and sandy shores as well as tide zones. The book is in two parts, the first describing the species relative to their habitats to not only help in identification but also understanding how they live. The second part of the book arranges the animals in genetic relationship: there are clams, snails, worms, sponges, jellyfish, even whales. 10 color photos, 156 drawings and maps, 67 pages.
Inventory = 7; otherwise out of print.  ISBN: 0-9611010-62-9. Order #: NAGR0969 paper$6.95.

#CRUISING GUIDE TO CALIFORNIA'S CHANNEL ISLANDS. Fagan.
Covers anchorages on mainland from Pt. Mugu to Pt. Conception as well as offshore islands including San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Anacapa, Catalina. Presents history, weather, equipment. 140 photos, 25 diagrams, 288 pages.
ISBN: 0-930030-32-X. Order #: CAPR3007 paper$19.95.

DISCOVERING THE CALIFORNIA COAST: a Sunset Pictorial. edited by Jack McDowell..
Explores the diverse 1100-mile coastline--the people, places, ways of life, scenic beauty, natural history. There are jutting cliffs, quaint seaside towns, statuesque lighthouses, country inns, isolated beaches, redwood forests, surfing shores, fishing industry, sea mammals to watch, offshore islands to visit. 300 photographs (135 color), maps, 224 large-format pages, index.
ISBN: 0-376-05184-1. 1981. Order #: SUNS1924 paper$12.95.

 

 

DOÑA ANITA OF EL ROSARIO. Ellsberg.
Life of the woman whom Earle Stanley Gardner called "Angel of Baja". Illustrated, 48 pages.
ISBN: 0-910856-59-1. Order #: LASI0797 paper$3.95.

 

 

 

EXPLORING PACIFIC COAST TIDE POOLS. by Ernest Braun Vinson Brown.
Fieldguide describes 139 of the most common species of fauna and 18 of flora in the intertidal zone of the Pacific Coast from Point Conception (near Santa Barbara, CA) to Vancouver Island in southern British Columbia, Canada. Each sea creature is listed under its common name. The scientific name is given, followed by a description of the creature, often including the range of its occurrence and the type of beach, rock bottom, or micro-habitat on which it may be found as well as interesting habits. Learn to identify and understand sea anemone, urchin, abalone, chiton, brittle star, sea bug, and many more. 40 color plates, 56 pages.
ISBN: 0.911010-66-1 1966. Order #: NAGR1369 paper$4.95.

 

 

FIELD GUIDE TO NORTH AMERICAN SEASHORE CREATURES: The Audubon Society. by Norman A. Meinkoth.
Provides 690 full-color pictures to identify each of the seashore creatures featured in this book on all the U.S. and West Indies coasts. Included are crabs, lobsters, sea anemones, sponges, snails, jellyfishes, shrimps, sea stars, and many invertebrates. Covers 660 species in full detail with notes on 220 others. There is an identification chart to the kinds of creatures; text gives habitat, range, and descriptions for each. Color photographs, 812 pack-sized pages, index.
ISBN: 0-394-51993-0. 1988. Order #: RAHO2000 vinyl$19.00.

 

 

A FIELD GUIDE TO PACIFIC COAST FISHES OF NORTH AMERICA. by William N. Eschmeyer, Earl S. Herald, & Howard Hammann.
How to identify 600 saltwater fishes from Alaska to Baja California--where each fish is more likely to be found and how it is usually caught. Which species are important as food. Which of the sharks and rays are considered dangerous. Groups similar species for comparison and pinpoints distinguishing features. Includes depths and bottom types preferred. Over 525 illustrations,  (211 color), 350 pages.
ISBN: 0-395-33188-9. 1983. Order #: HOMI0601 paper$15.95.

 

 

A FIELD GUIDE TO PACIFIC COAST SHELLS. by Percy A. Morris.
How to identify 945 kinds of shells of the Pacific Coast the Gulf of California, and Hawaii--where to find, how to prepare and arrange a collection. 73 plates show photographs of the species, many in two views to aid in identification. Text gives common and scientific names, geographical distribution, habitat, and detailed description for all species including other names, life cycle, and economic importance. Glossary, index, 331 pages.
ISBN: 0-395-18322-7. 1966. Order #: HOMI2260 paper$15.95.

 

 

A FIELD GUIDE TO SHELLS OF THE PACIFIC COAST AND HAWAII. by Percy A. Morris.
Introduces the collecting of shells of marine clams and snails, when and how to do it along the Pacific Coasts from San Diego to the Arctic seas and including Hawaii. Organizes shells into three main categories: West Coast pelecypods (clams) and West Coast Gastropods (snails) and Hawaiian mollusks and then describes families and genera for each. Classification chart included for mollusks and terminology for univalve and bivalve shells. Illustrated with 49 plates grouping like kinds, some in color, 240 pages, index.
ISBN: None. 1964. First edition. Owner's signature in front. Order #: HOMI2697 cloth$12.95.

 

 

 

A FIELD GUIDE TO SHELLS OF THE PACIFIC COAST AND HAWAII, including the Gulf of California. by Percy A. Morris.
Introduces the collecting of shells of marine clams and snails, when and how to do it along the Pacific Coasts from San Diego to the Arctic seas and including the Gulf of California and Hawaii. Organizes shells into seven main categories: West Coast pelecypods (clams), West Coast gastropods (snails), West Coast amphineruans and scaphopods, Gulf of California pelecypods, Gulf of California gastropods, Hawaiian pelecypods, and Hawaiian gastropods and then describes families and genera for each. Classification chart included for mollusks and terminology for univalve and bivalve shells. Illustrated with 72 plates grouping like kinds, some in color, 332 pages, index.
ISBN: None. 1966. Second edition. Owner's signature in front. Order #: HOMI9377 cloth$12.95.

 

 

FIELDBOOK OF PACIFIC NORTHWEST SEA CREATURES. by McLachlan & Ayres.
Over 200 common marine animals are shown in their natural habitat with color photos--from Alaska to Southern California. A short description accompanies each species pictured, and explains its biology. Color photos. 208 pages.
ISBN: 0-87961-068-9.Scuffed cover. Order #: NAGR1970 paper$14.95.

 

 

FLORA OF BAJA NORTE. Tima Kasbeer.
Baja as an island, plant distribution, biotic provinces, botanical puzzles and endemics, native and medicinal plants, role of birds, regions. Illustrated. 36 pages references.
ISBN: 0-910856-43-5. 1971. Order #: LASI0784 paper$3.95.

 

 

#FLOWERING PLANTS: the Santa Monica Mountains--coast and chapparal regions. Dale.
288 color photos, 280 pages.
ISBN: 0-88496-239-2. Order #: CAPR4303 paper$15.95.

 

FOSSIL VERTEBRATES OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. by Theodore Downs.
Purpose of this book is to aid in fossil identification--bones, teeth, or imprints, how to preserve a find, and to review the sequence of vertebrate life in time. Map shows localities where fossils have been found, and what to look for with diagrams and color plates of fossil parts. Geologic eras are explained, a guide to what fossils what might be expected based on the age of rocks in a locality. 61 small pages.
ISBN: None. 1968. Order #: UNCA1520 paper$1.75.

 

 

#GUIDE TO CATALINA ISLAND. Mallan.
Provides all you need for an exciting experience--hotels, camping, and more. Maps, illustrations,  l29 pages.
ISBN: 0-91873-18-2. Order #: MOON2011 paper$8.95.

A GUIDE TO THE PLANTS OF THE PINNACLES. by Ralph C. Webb.
List and capsule descriptions of trees, shrubs, and flowers of national park in California central coast mountains. Includes a key to identify the species and notes for many to add particular characteristics, uses, insect and other animal interrelationships and ecology. Color photographs of the area's plant communities--xeric, riparian, chaparral, foothill woodland. 76 pages, index.
ISBN: 0-91148-25-8. 1971. Order #: SOPM1318 paper$4.95.

 

 

THE HISTORIC VALLEY OF TEMECULA. by Horace Parker.
The early Indians of Temecula, dwellers in hill and valley of early southern California. Origins, material culture, pottery, food, ceremonies. This people used natural materials and created yucca fiber sandals coiled basketry, nets for carrying, pictographs, made pipes and mortars and pestles including bedrock mortars. They had ceremonial wands and Indian doctors. Drawings, 36 pages.
ISBN: None. Order # ACOM6008 paper$3.95.

 

 

 

LET'S EAT. Ramona Historical Society.
Recipes for main dishes, vegetables, salads, sauces, breads, desserts, pickles, preserves, candy, beverages, plus household hints. 33 pages.
Inventory = 23. ISBN: None. Order #: ACOM6001paper$3.95.

 

 

 

LOS ANGELES from the days of the pueblo. Robinson.
A brief history and a guide to the Plaza area. Covers the history from first settlement, to rancho days, through the American period, and up to the passing of El Pueblo at the turn of the century. Photos, 130 pages.
ISBN: 0-87701-242-3. Order #: CHRO2997 paper$7.95.

 

 

MARINE MAMMALS OF CALIFORNIA. Orr.
Whales, porpoises, dolphins, seals, and sea lions described and identified. Illustrated, 64 pages.
Check stock. ISBN: 0-520-02077-4. Order #: UNCA2096 paper$4.95.

 

 

 

THE MOUNT WILSON STORY. John W. Robinson.
History of popular peak in Southern California, from early trail building and resort use, then construction and operation of famous observatory and a toll road with more recreational use for the nearby Los Angeles metropolitan area. Illustrated, 36 pages, references.
ISBN: 0-910856-53-2. Order #: LASI0795 paper$3.95.

 

 

MOUNTAIN BICYCLING IN THE SAN GABRIEL MOUNTAINS. by Robert Immler.
Describes over 30 trips into the Angeles National Forest. Includes equipment needs, access, ethics, hazards. Presents route histories, distance, elevations, time needed, water, camps. Trips from easy 2-milers to all-day 35-mile challengers. Photos, maps for each trip,128 pages, index.
ISBN: 0-89997-078-8. Order #: WILD5129 paper$10.95.

 

 

#NATIVE SHRUBS OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. Raven.
Overview and species descriptions. Illustrated, 132 pages.
ISBN: 0-520-0150-7. Order #: UNCA1543 paper$10.95.

OUR GREAT GRAY WHALES. by Lillian Grace Paca.
Introduction to this sea-animal species, printed in larger type for young readers. Tells of natural history, parenting, whaling, conservation, related species, whales in museum displays. Drawings, 32 pages.
ISBN: None. 1975. Used book--owner's information inside front cover. Order #: MISC2479 paper$4.95.

 

 

 

SAN BERNARDINO MOUNTAIN TRAILS. 100 hikes in Southern California. by John W. Robinson.
The San Bernardino and the San Jacinto ranges are home to Southern California’s highest and most rugged mountains. Desert cactus and pine trees, snow-capped peaks and palm oases, are found in close proximity in this unique region. Covers 100 day hikes and backpack trips that traverse the San Bernardino National Forest, the Santa Rosa Mountains, and the San Jacinto Mountains. Each trip includes difficulty evaluations, season recommendations, length, and elevation gain. Comes with a color fold-out hiking topo map. 275 pages, index.
ISBN: 0-911824-85-5. Order #: WILD1785 paper$19.00.

 

PACIFIC COAST FISH: a guide to marine fish of the Pacific Coast of North America. by Ron Russo, illustrated by Ann Caudle.
Compact guide to marine fish. Put it in your tackle box to id what you catch, or read at home for information about the biology of fish, the marine food chain, and distribution of fish species. Detailed black-and-white illustrations of the fish, plus egg cases of sharks and skates, and shark teeth. Covers the waters off the Pacific Coast, from the Bering Straits to Cabo San Lucas (the southern tip of Baja California). 112 little pages.
Check stock.ISBN: 978-0-912550-19-0. Out of print; we have limited stock. Order #: NASG5065 paper$5.95.

SAN BERNARDINO MOUNTAIN TRAILS: 100 hikes in Southern California--topographic map. by John W. Robinson.
100 hikes in San Bernardino, San Jacinto, Santa Rosa Mountains including one-day hikes and backpack trips, trails, roads, railroads, streams, lakes, parks, wilderness campsites, campgrounds, springs, and ranger stations. (included in San Bernardino Mountain Trails book). 21"x26" shipped folded.
ISBN: None. 1981. Order #: WILD1479 map$4.50.

 

 

A SCOTCH PAISANO IN OLD LOS ANGELES--Hugo Reid's Life in California, 1832-1852. Dakin.
Derived from his correspondence. 329 pages.
ISBN:0-520-03717-0 . Order #: UNCA1509 paper$8.95.

 

 

 

SEASHORE LIFE OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. by Sam Hinton.
An introduction to the animal life of California beaches south of Santa Barbara. Explains tides, waves, currents, sea water, cycle of life, the zones which the animals inhabit. Then describes the many types of animals in this region, also telling how to identify them. Drawings and color photos, 181 pages, index.
ISBN: 0-50-01470-7. 1975. Order #: UNCA2094 paper$3.95.

 

 

SEASHORE PLANTS OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. by E. Yale Dawson.
Explains what seaweeds (mos of which are forms of algae) are in the regional environment, telling of their structure and reproduction. Three main types are green, brown, and red algae and keys are provided for each to identify the common genera of each. Also discusses sea grasses, coastal salt marsh and coastal strand vegetations. References, glossary, drawings and color photographs, 101 pages, index.
ISBN: 0-520-00300-4. 1975. Order #: UNCA1525 paper$7.95.

 

#SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA: an island on the land. McWilliams.
A contemporary look at the 1920-46 period in Southern California and the personalities who were making history there. 415 pages.
ISBN: 978-0-87905-007-8. Order #: GISM2088 paper$19.95.

#SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA TRAVEL GUIDE. Sunset.
Travel information from San Simeon south. Color photos, maps, 128 pages.
ISBN: 0-376-06759-4. Order #: SUNS1916 paper$9.95.

STONEY POINT GUIDE. Hellweg.
Climbing area near Los Angeles. Illustrated, 70 pages.
ISBN: 0-910856-71-0. Order #: LASI0781 paper$4.95.

 

 

 

SUBTIDAL MARINE BIOLOGY OF CALIFORNIA--with emphasis on the south. by Robert Galbraith and Ted Boehler.
Marine life, identification written for those who study or dive in near shore waters of California and the offshore island. Guide identifies plants and animals and observes their life habits--sharks and rays, bony fishes, invertebrates, plants and plankton, marine mammals, habitats. 98 photos (66 in color), 45 drawings and maps, 144 pages, index.
Inventory = 4; otherwise out of print. ISBN: 0-87961-026-63. Order #: NAGR0964 paper$8.95.

 

 

TRAILS OF THE ANGELES: 100 hikes in the San Gabriels. by John W. Robinson.
Describes 100 hikes of the San Gabriel Range near Los Angeles--day and backpack. Includes San Gabriel and Cucamonga Wildernesses. The included large topographic map for the San Gabriel Mountains of Southern California features one-day hikes and backpack trips and shows roads and trails, campgrounds, picnic areas, ranger stations, streams, springs, lakes, parks and places of history. Photos, maps, large fold-out topo map, index 232 pages.
ISBN: 0-89997-41-9. 1984 fifth edition. Order #: WILD2565 paper$17.95.

 

TRAILS OF THE ANGELES MAP: 100 hikes in the San Gabriels. Robinson.
Shows 100 hikes in the San Gabriel Mountains of Southern California. This large topographic map for the San Gabriel Mountains of Southern California features one-day hikes and backpack trips and shows roads and trails, campgrounds, picnic areas, ranger stations, streams, springs, lakes, parks and places of history.(Included in Trails of the Angeles book.) 19"x33.5" shipped folded.
ISBN: 0-89997-154-7. Order #: WILD1765 map$4.50.

 

 

UNDERWATER CALIFORNIA. by Wheeler J. North.
Guide to diving spots and habitats plus marine plants and animals, techniques for underwater photography. Tells of life communities and species identification. Points out noteworthy characteristics of accessible diving locations. Explains ecological relationships such as among sea otters, sea urchins, and kelp beds. Drawings, color plates, 280 pages, index.
ISBN: 0-520-03039-7. 1976. Order #: UNCA1551 paper$5.95.

 

WEATHER OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. Bailey.
Climate weather types, fire, flood, drought, smog. Illustrated, 87 pages.
ISBN: 0-520-00062-5. Order #: UNCA1524 paper$7.00.

WHALE PRIMER. Theodore J. Walker.
Natural history of whales, especially California Gray Whale. Contents include migration routes, feeding, whale evolution, reproduction, life span, relatives and whale types, whale senses and intelligence, social habits and enemies, whale watching, protections. Photos, 60 pages.
ISBN: 978-0-912550- . Order #: CABR0243 paper$6.95.

 

 

WHALE PRIMER: with special attention to the California gray whale. by Theodore J. Walker.
Natural history of whales, especially California Gray Whale. Contents include migration routes, feeding, whale evolution, reproduction, life span, relatives and whale types, whale senses and intelligence, social habits and enemies, whale watching, whaling, protections. Photos, 60 pages.
ISBN: None. 1972. Used book--owner's signature inside front cover. Order #: CABR2409 paper$6.95.

 

 

WHALE WATCHING AND TIDEPOOLS: a guide to California marine life. (California Traveler Guidebook). by Gregory Lee.
To say California has an abundant marine life is an understatement. More than 1,100 miles of shoreline provides ample opportunity to spot whales and other water creatures. This book provides information on popular public locations and quiet locales, too. 48 pages.
ISBN: 1-55838-123-6. Order #: Order #: AMTR7583 paper$6.95.

 

 

 

VISTABOOKS HISTORY REPRINTS--
Califorinia Southwest
(in stock: for quantity orders, go to vistabooks.com):
also available on ebay and ebid

19th CENTURY WHALING TALES. by James Temple Brown and Gustav Kobbe.
Pursuing the world's largest mammal in boats powered only by sail and oar.
Perhaps the sea's highest adventure was the whaling chase, as great or greater than exploring uncharted waters. Why else would men risk their lives and their families' securities? The money could be good, too, and for some, there was the chance at freedom, for the industry was mainly blind as to skin color at a time when opportunities for non-whites were scarce. The whaling industry flourished for two centuries, and its traditions are recounted in seaport museums and the stories here:
"Stray Leaves from a Whaleman's Log" is reprinted from Century Magazine, 1893. It tells about chasing of whales on a cruise from the standpoint of the individual whaleman.
"The Perils and Romance of Whaling" came out in Century Magazine in 1890. It gives more of the detail of the subject and also includes anecdotes of episodes from the early days.
A final section "Cutting in and Trying Out" explains the butchering process. Period illustrations. 48 pages. See sample pages, illustrations.
Check stock.ISBN-10: 0-89646-089-4. ISBN-13: 978-0-89646-089-8. Order #: VIST0089 paper$6.95.

THE LIGHT-HOUSES OF THE UNITED STATES IN 1874. by Charles Nordhoff & Gustav Kobbe.
Showing lighthouses and keepers on all U.S. coasts--Pacific, Atlantic, Gulf, and Great Lakes, with three extra articles by Gustav Kobbe: "Life in a Lighthouse", and if that isn't lonely enough there comes "Life on the South Shoals Lightship". Last is "Heroism in the Lighthouse Service".
Here are four articles on that romantic historic aspect of the maritime industry--the lighthouse. The first is a history and survey of lighthouses to 1874, giving a look at the federal service that operated them and how the lighthouses were run as well as their importance to shipping when when a light was main--sometimes the only--navigational aid. Then there are insights into keepers' lives in one of the most exposed lighthouses ever built (Minot's Ledge outside Boston Harbor). Portrayed, too is the role played by offshore lights on anchored ships. And recalled, too, are dramas and devotion to fellow man and duty that must never be forgotten. First published at the pre-1900 time when lighthouses held greatest importance: Lighthouses remain intriguing for their function and dramatic vertical architecture, and are now historic, recalling dramas of the past. Many of the lighthouses described are in national and state park areas and are maintained as historic sites, with museums and visitor centers open to the public. In many you can still climb to the top for a view keepers once saw. A visit to one of these  is all the more meaningful with the insights gained from this collection of articles. 75 period engravings. 64 pages. See sample pages, illustrations.
Check stock. ISBN-10: 0-89646-086-X. ISBN-13: 978-0-89646-086-7. Order #: VIST0086 paper$6.95.

SIGNALS OF THE SEA AND HEROES OF THE SURF: the epic story of America's light-houses and life-savers, written at their heyday. by Arthur Hewitt and John R. Spears.
Two of the most romantic traditions of the sea are here combined to form the content of this book--light-houses and life-savers. Stories of the work of the keepers and savers span the range from daytime monotony, and even loneliness, between storms, to the thrill of daring sea rescues in raging winter surf. Through all, dedication of the men involved shines as brightly as the lights they tended and as steadily as their massive surfboats while heading through the breakers to sea. Reprinted from The Outlook for 1903 and 1904. Good reading for anyone intending to visit the many lighthouses and life-saving stations maintained as historic sites on all U.S. coasts. Period engravings. 24 pages. See sample pages, illustrations.
Check stock.ISBN-10: 0-89646-088-6. ISBN-13: 978-0-89646-088-1. Order #: VIST0088 paper$4.95.

THE UNITED STATES LIFE-SAVING SERVICE--1880: predecessor to today's Coast Guard. by J. H. Merryman.
Story of chain of life-saving stations that once lined all U.S. coasts--Atlantic, Gulf, Great Lakes, Pacific--with rescue dramas, apparatus and technique used by heroic federal surfmen. The U.S. Life-saving Service was at its heyday when this material was written in 1880. Shipping was a busy industry among the seaport cities, yet navigation was often unsure, and storms poorly predicted. Wrecks were all too common; ships in peril were even run toward shore to founder them where they would be closer to possible rescue. A chain of life-saving stations on all four U.S. coasts was therefore established to save lives. Accounts of heroism at these lonely outposts remain amazing--and chilling. Our author was chief inspector of the board examining these station's crews. He tells of the organization of the Service, the desperate need for the life saving function, of rescues, and of rescue methods and apparatus. Today many of these stations are maintained as historic reminders of past deeds, and several are in parks and/or include museums. Some provide demonstrations of how rescues were made in the surf and by lifeboats. Read this book and visit one or several of the stations on any coast for an appreciation of the life-saving service heritage. 79 period illustrations. 64 pages. See sample pages, illustrations.
ISBN-10: 0-89646-071-1. ISBN-13: 978-0-89646-071-3. Order #: VIST0071 paper$6.95.

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