This page features a curated selection of books for readers interested in the history, architecture, and stories of Florida and American lighthouses.
By James D. Snyder. The story of Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and the Southeast Florida frontier. Published by Pharos Books.
By Francis Ross Holland Jr.; Dover Publications. An illustrated history of more than 200 American coastal and inland lighthouses, with historic engravings, drawings, and photographs.
By Bruce Roberts and Ray Jones; Globe Pequot Press. Covers more than 500 coastal and lake lighthouses, including their history, architecture, and visitor information.
By Jill Caravan; Courage Books. Explores lighthouse origins and their evolution from early towers to modern architecture and automated technology.
By Roger Bansemer; Pineapple Press. More than 200 paintings and sketches portray Florida’s lighthouses, with stories about each light and its surroundings.
By Toni C. Collins. The history of the Cedar Keys Light Station on Seahorse Key, including hurricanes, Union troops, abandonment, and preservation.
By Sonny Witt; Central Plains Book. Traces Cape Canaveral from the Ais Indians and early homesteaders through its brick and iron lighthouses and their keepers.
By Josh Liller and the Florida Lighthouse Association; Pineapple Press. An updated guide to Florida’s past and present lighthouses, Fresnel lenses, and FLA history.
By John Hairr; Arcadia Publishing. A visual tour of Florida’s lighthouses through vintage photographs.
By Kevin McCarthy; University Press of Florida. Illustrated coverage of the construction, history, and operation of Florida’s lighthouses and lightship.
By Neil E. Hurley. A study of Florida’s lighthouses and their role during the Civil War.
By Thomas W. Taylor. The history of Florida’s lighthouse development during its territorial period.
By Myrna Roberts Kanekkeberg. Chronicles three generations of the author’s family who served as keepers of the St. Marks Lighthouse.
By Neil E. Hurley. The first volume in the history of lighting Carysfort Reef and its lightships.
By Love Dean; Pineapple Press. Stories and histories of the twelve Florida Keys lighthouses, including the celebrated wrought-iron reef lights.
By Michael J. Rhein. A travel-friendly quick reference with photographs, brief histories, and spotter’s notes for lights in the United States and Canada.
By John Spatuzzi. A pictorial field guide featuring more than 250 color photographs of lighthouses around the United States.
By Stan Farnham; AuthorHouse. Practical information for prospective and current Florida residents, including an entire chapter devoted to Florida’s lighthouses.
By Bruce Roberts and Ray Jones; Globe Pequot Press. A richly illustrated history of the lighthouses along the southeastern coast.
By Ralph Krugler. A detailed history of the Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse and the people connected with it.
By Elinor DeWire; Sentinel Publications. A month-by-month compendium of lighthouse science, history, and fascinating American lighthouse lore.
By Thomas W. Taylor. A history of the Key West Lighthouse and its place in the island’s story.
By Ellen J. Henry. An illustrated history of the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse.
