From one of the state's leading researcher-writers of women's history comes this book that shines a light on the challenges of being a woman in a man's world: the world of lighthouse keeping. More than 50 women served as keepers in Michigan. Catherine Shook was the first in 1849, raising eight children while lighting the way around the treacherous tip of the Thumb. Elizabeth Whitney Williams served the longest -- 41 years -- at Beaver Island and Little Traverse lights. And three female keepers gave birth to future keepers who furthered the family tradition. Sixteen women are highlighted in the book, which also includes an interview with Frances Marshall, the last female keeper in the state.