There's a very nice article about the history of the RNLI in the Fall 2002/No. 16 issue of Maritime Life and Traditions. The article is entitled "The History of British Lifeboats and Life-Savers" by Nicholas Leach. The article also has references to other articles/books that would also be interesting to those interested in lifeboats and the RNLI. The website for the magazine is www.maritime-life.net