A new book, which details the life of a well-known lifeboat coxswain from Lowestoft, has been released by a relative keen to give readers 'a full picture of his fascinating life.'
The life story of Robert Hook is depicted in the book Robert W Hook – A Forgotten Local Hero, which has been written by Crispin Hook.
Mr Hook, 41, is the former coxswain's first cousin, six times removed, and he wrote this book as he was keen to 'preserve his important historical tale'
Born in 1828, Robert Hook was the RNLI Lowestoft Lifeboat coxswain between 1853 and 1883 and has been credited with saving more than 600 lives during his career.
More commonly known as 'Bob Hook' he was often described in press cuttings as a 'huge man with a vast beard' and was 'involved in the rescue of over 600 lives along with two cats and a dog.'
The book, which is available online and in Waterstones in Lowestoft town centre, contains a short first person piece written by Robert Hook for the September 11, 1986 edition of The Journal.
'Nothing has given me more pleasure and satisfaction during my lifetime than trying to save life at sea', it read.
The book recalls the early childhood of Mr Hook and also includes stories about the annual marine regattas, detailed accounts and information about the daring and heroic rescues Mr Hook was involved in – all laid out in chronological order.
Crispin Hook, who lives in north Lowestoft and works as a delivery driver, described how the process of creating the book took 'months of painstaking research' but it is hoped that some of the proceeds from individual sales will go towards the repair of the headstone of Robert Hook, which used to contain a large cross before it was vandalised a number of years ago.
'As a ten-year old boy, my first school trip to the Maritime Museum was the first ever time I saw his picture and at that point he became my childhood hero and role model,' Mr Hook said.
'When you read about Robert in any local books it is just a snapshot of his life and not the full story.
'In the book you can find out about how he saved 600 lives and everything I could find about him is in there,' he added.
'I am pleased with it and I am just glad it's done, it really does provide a full picture of his fascinating life.'
When Robert Hook died in 1911, aged 84, The Journal described him as 'Lowestoft's great lifeboat hero.'
The book costs £10 and is available on Amazon, eBay, Waterstones in Lowestoft, the Heritage Centre on Wilde's Score and the Maritime Museum in Sparrow's Nest Gardens.
Are you keen to celebrate the history of Lowestoft? Email joe.randlesome@archant.co.uk
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