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Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 100 votes)
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100 reviews
April 17,2025
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Keen to read owing to my interest in shipping, and having grown up with the song, "The Legend of the Edmund Fitzgerald".
April 17,2025
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"Mighty Fitz: The Sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald" by Michael Schumacher is a gripping and meticulously researched account of one of the most infamous maritime disasters in Great Lakes history. In this paperback edition, Schumacher expertly navigates the reader through the harrowing events leading up to the tragic sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald, offering a compelling blend of historical detail, human drama, and maritime intrigue.

The book delves deep into the history and legacy of the Edmund Fitzgerald, a massive iron ore freighter that met its tragic end on Lake Superior during a ferocious storm in November 1975. Through vivid storytelling and firsthand accounts from survivors, crew members, and maritime experts, Schumacher brings to life the final moments of the ship and the courageous efforts to rescue its crew.

What sets "Mighty Fitz" apart is its meticulous attention to detail and its ability to capture the human stories behind the tragedy. Schumacher skillfully weaves together narratives of the ship's crew, the families left behind, and the rescue efforts undertaken in the wake of the disaster, painting a vivid and poignant portrait of loss, resilience, and the power of the Great Lakes.

The paperback format makes "Mighty Fitz" accessible to a wide audience, allowing readers to immerse themselves in this compelling tale of adventure, tragedy, and heroism. Schumacher's engaging prose and exhaustive research make for a riveting read that will appeal to history buffs, maritime enthusiasts, and anyone with an interest in the human stories behind major historical events.

Overall, "Mighty Fitz: The Sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald" is a must-read for anyone interested in maritime history or the Great Lakes region. With its compelling narrative, rich historical detail, and poignant human stories, this paperback edition offers a captivating exploration of one of the most enduring mysteries of the Great Lakes.
April 17,2025
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Solid, concise reporting in a well-executed, informative book. Mr. Schumacher has an expert-level grasp of the material but avoids getting the reader lost in maritime jargon. Varying scenarios are laid out allowing the reader to draw his own conclusions. One of the things that makes the Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald so timeless is the amount of mystery never revealed. Mr. Schumacher does a wonderful job laying out what is known and delivering an account that is not only historical but also a tasteful tribute to the twenty-nine sailors that perished that November day.
April 17,2025
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I found this to be really interesting and moving at times. I know the song by Gordon Lightfoot, and I've watched several video analyses on YouTube about the sinking of the boat, but I liked the interviews and more personal accounts of the men on the boat that this book had. I think like many people have mentioned in reviews, this book would have benefitted from a map or diagrams. I don't know if maybe it's in the print version, but there are none in the ebook at least.
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