Nantucket Island is home to one of the largest and most important collections of historic buildings in the United States. More than 800 preserved structures represent the character and charm of the island and its people. In the tradition of Universe's successful "Cottages by the Sea," this book beautifully represents the historic legacy in great depth and captures the fantasy of owning a home on Nantucket Island. Written by Nantucket's foremost architectural historians, the book draws upon primary sources, diaries, oral histories, and archived photographs to examine the rich architectural heritage of this designated national treasure. With striking new photography, delicate line illustrations of architectural details, and engaging stories, "Sea Captains' Houses "is a definitive study of the homes that have come to characterize this charming and culturally rich island, making this book required reading for every proud Nantucket homowner and a much wider audience of visitors who flock to the island each summer.