• The Sea, Thine Enemy by Captain Kenneth Langmaid, D.S.C., R.N. (Jarrolds, 355.) is in fact a comprehensive survey of coastal lights and life-boat service.

This is undoubtedly a book which may be read with profit and interest by all seamen, professional or amateur.

There are three main sections under the headings (I) Lighthouses (II) Light vessels and (III) Life-boats. In each of these even the most knowledgeableseafarer is almost certain to find much absorbing information. For instance, one can hardly fail to be impressed by the amazing ingenuity, persistence and bravery of the early lighthouse engineers and builders, many of whom lost their lives in their endeavours. And not only disasters but mysteries such as the disappearance of all the keepers of the lonely light on Eilean More, which almost suggests a visit from outer space.

The steady growth of the life-boat service and the splendid courage and deter- mination of the coxswains and crews are recorded in seamanlike terms. The close association of Trinity House and the R.N.L.I. - which many people are apt to think of as one organization - is clearly emphasized by the accounts of life-boat assistance to lightships and lighthouses. These indeed are very real examples of the brotherhood of the sea..