Long Island and the Sea - by Bill Bleyer (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

For more than five centuries, the waterways surrounding Long Island have profoundly shaped its history.

Familiar subjects of lighthouses, shipwrecks and whaling are found alongside oft-forgotten oddities such as Pan-American flying boats landing in Manhasset Bay in the early days of transatlantic flight. From the British blockade and skirmishes during the American Revolution to the sinking of merchant vessels by Germany in World War II, the sea brought wars to these shores. By the later part of the 20th century, Gold Coast millionaires commuted in high-speed yachts to Manhattan offices as the island's wealth grew. Historian Bill Bleyer reveals Long Island's nautical bonds from the Native Americans to current efforts to preserve the region's maritime heritage.

Review Quotes

A new book is on the way from Bill Bleyer, Bayville's favorite history buff. The former Newsday reporter and columnist is publishing his fourth book on local history with The History Press. The most comprehensive book yet on the subject, it covers from the Native Americans and the Age of Discover to current preservation efforts.Enterprise-Pilot

In his closing remarks, Mr. Bleyer states that his book is part of an ongoing effort to ensure Long Island's maritime history is not forgotten. To that end he has done his part beautifully. East Hampton Star