How was life before light bulbs?

Typically the first to be used for light was the fire or campfire. After that candles or wax. After the candles, a Kerosene lamp was usually used. Some cities or villages used gas lighting before electricity was established. By gas I mean natural gas or propane burning inside a "mantle" in a lamp specifically made for this. This method was actually quite bright in the amount of light it produced. Much like the Coleman brand camping lamps you see people use in campgrounds.