Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 53 votes)
5 stars
20(38%)
4 stars
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3 stars
14(26%)
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53 reviews
July 14,2025
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A very interesting account and theories as to what happened. It is truly captivating. Read it for yourself and draw your own conclusion. It is a fascinating tale that leaves one intrigued. I have the utmost respect for the families who still do not know the ending to this story. Many have dedicated themselves to researching it, yet there is still no conclusion.


Frederick Stonehouse has done an excellent job of presenting the data. I firmly believe that he did not do it for exploitative purposes. Instead, it was done tastefully to satisfy the reader's curiosity who has always wondered what exactly happened on that frightful night of 10 November 1975. This event had a profound impact on the Great Lakes maritime community and to this day, it continues to keep a nation in a state of wonder!

July 14,2025
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Like many people before me, I was familiar with Gordon Lightfoot's haunting song about the Edmund Fitzgerald.

When I was on a trip to Michigan, I had the opportunity to visit the Great Lakes.

During my visit, I stopped by a gift shop and there I discovered this remarkable book.

The book is extremely detailed and is accompanied by excellent maps.

It provides a comprehensive account of the events that ultimately led to the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald.

If you have an interest in learning more about this tragic event and want a better understanding of the circumstances surrounding it, then this book is well worth reading.

It offers valuable insights and a wealth of information that will surely enhance your knowledge and appreciation of this important piece of maritime history.

Whether you are a history buff or simply someone who enjoys a good story, this book is sure to captivate you from beginning to end.

So, if you find yourself in Michigan or have a passion for the Great Lakes and their history, be sure to seek out this book and embark on a journey through time.

July 14,2025
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In-depth account of the storied wreck,

told from an insider’s expert eye.

This is a fascinating reporting of the fabled sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald.

Forever immortalized in song by Gordon Lightfoot,

the book contains complete reports from various agencies,

as well as first-hand accounts from other sailors in the area at the time of the wreck.

Together with numerous pictures and other anecdotes,

this is well worth a look.

The sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald is a tragic event that has captured the imagination of many. This book provides a detailed and comprehensive look at the incident, from the perspective of those who were there or have studied it closely. The inclusion of first-hand accounts and reports from various agencies adds to the authenticity and credibility of the narrative. The numerous pictures and anecdotes also help to bring the story to life and make it more engaging for the reader. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in maritime history or the story of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
July 14,2025
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This is an excellent book that has truly opened my eyes.

It provides a wealth of information about lake travel, a topic that I had always been interested in but never fully explored.

What's more, I discovered numerous agencies that I never knew existed. These agencies offer a wide range of services and packages, making it easier for travelers like me to plan and enjoy their lake adventures.

The book not only介绍了the various lakes and their unique features but also provides practical tips and advice on everything from accommodation to activities.

It's like having a personal travel guide right at my fingertips.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in lake travel or looking for new and exciting travel experiences.
July 14,2025
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I was always deeply interested in this wreck. The reason behind it was the Gordon Lightfoot song that had such a profound impact on me.

The book related to this wreck contains a plethora of statistics. These statistics, unfortunately, make some parts of the book rather difficult to read. It feels like wading through a sea of numbers at times.

However, despite this drawback, the history presented in the book is truly interesting. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the events and circumstances surrounding the wreck. It's like uncovering a hidden treasure chest of knowledge about a bygone era.

Overall, while the presence of numerous statistics can be a bit of a challenge, the historical content more than makes up for it, keeping my interest firmly piqued.
July 14,2025
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A well-written and well-researched book delves into the mystery of the 1975 wreck of a huge ship that occurred during a terrifying storm on Lake Superior. The incident was truly tragic as the entire crew perished, and astonishingly, no bodies were ever recovered. This book offers a detailed account of the events leading up to the wreck, the circumstances during the storm, and the subsequent investigations. It presents a fascinating exploration of this maritime mystery, leaving readers with a sense of awe and wonder. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in such captivating and mysterious tales. It is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.

July 14,2025
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As a “transplanted” citizen to Michigan, I was, like most people who view these colossal lakes for the first time, literally speechless.

Huge, gigantic, and all other adjectives that people strive to come up with to express their amazement are so inadequate. After being here for a few years and having visited and traveled all 5 of these “monster” waterways – the 4 within the borders of the U.S. and the one within Canadian waters – I developed a real interest in the freighters that hauled their loads up and down these waterways.

Especially those that were unfortunate enough to rest on the BOTTOMS of these lakes with their cargo and, sadly, most or all of their crews. Shipwreck Museums are almost as popular with me as libraries. The Edmund Fitzgerald has always been one of my favorites, and the author who, for more than half a century now, has told their stories was my source of accurate information.

It seems unbelievable that this 729-foot, 13,000-ton legend could have gone down in mere seconds, taking all 29 members of her crew to 530 ft of frigid Canadian waters of the unpredictable Lake Superior. But that is indeed what happened. The captain was in contact with another freighter, The Anderson, which had left Wisconsin loading docks at the same time as him, on November 10, 1975.

The Coast Guard report indicated that their belief was that it either took on water in the long row of hatches where its load of iron ore pellets were stored or it hit a shoal and punctured its hull. 45-foot waves had been breaking her deck, a part of this November storm that has gone down as one of the worst in Lake Superior history.

Whatever had happened to the Edmund Fitzgerald and what happened to her crew has never been really known, only surmised based on what little facts they had. Mr. Stonehouse says that singer and songwriter Gordon Lightfoot’s ballad The Ballad of The Edmund Fitzgerald is very close to what probably did happen. One of my biggest thrills was seeing the bell that has since been recovered and is housed at The Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish Bay, Michigan.

July 14,2025
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Really, this is one of my favorite books.

It has a firm and nostalgic grip on me. There is no doubt that it is factually excellent.

As a Great Lakes shipwreck enthusiast, I often refer to this book.

Although it is written in a passive and bureaucratic style, that doesn't matter to me.

I like it anyway. It stands up well when compared to the included Coastguard and NTSB reports.

Anyone who desires to know anything about the final few hours of the Edmund Fitzgerald should regard this book as the gold standard.

It provides in-depth and detailed information about this tragic event.

The author has done a great job of researching and presenting the facts.

Even though the writing style may not be the most exciting, the content more than makes up for it.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the Edmund Fitzgerald or Great Lakes shipwrecks in general.

It is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the full story behind this famous disaster.
July 14,2025
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Overall, this is a really good book. It is evident that a great deal of research has gone into it. The author presents several compelling theories regarding the sinking of the ship. These theories offer new perspectives and insights that are both thought-provoking and engaging. The book is not only informative but also written in a way that makes it accessible to a wide range of readers. Whether you are a history buff or simply interested in learning more about this tragic event, this book is definitely worth a read. It provides a comprehensive and detailed account of the sinking, as well as the events and circumstances that led up to it. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a fascinating and well-written exploration of this important piece of history.

July 14,2025
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I have a profound interest in Michigan/Great Lakes history, which is precisely why I was filled with excitement when I decided to read this book. However, upon finishing it, I found myself overall disappointed with its treatment of the Edmund Fitzgerald tragedy.

The formatting and writing style of the book were rather off-putting. It seemed to be an overwhelming dump of technical information, lacking in smooth transitions and strong narrative themes that could have gone beyond the common knowledge known to those who have followed the shipwreck.

While there are indeed a significant number of great primary documents included, I couldn't help but feel that more focus should have been placed on the victims and their families. Additionally, a better organizational flow throughout the book would have enhanced the reading experience.

Overall, despite my initial enthusiasm, this book failed to fully satisfy my expectations regarding the Edmund Fitzgerald tragedy and its place within the context of Michigan/Great Lakes history.
July 14,2025
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Ever since I first heard the song by Gordon Lightfoot, it has sparked a deep interest within me to learn more about the wreck. The powerful lyrics and the haunting melody seemed to tell a story that I was eager to uncover. When I made the decision to move to Michigan, I knew that this was my opportunity to finally read up on it!


Michigan, with its rich history and connection to the Great Lakes, was the perfect place to explore the details of the wreck. I began my research by visiting local libraries and museums, poring over books and documents that provided valuable insights. I also reached out to experts in the field, who shared their knowledge and personal experiences with me.


As I delved deeper into the subject, I discovered a world of tragedy and heroism. The story of the wreck became more than just a historical event; it became a personal journey of discovery. I was amazed by the courage and determination of those who had been involved, and I felt a sense of connection to their experiences.


Through my research, I have gained a newfound appreciation for the power of music and its ability to inspire us to learn more about the world around us. The song by Gordon Lightfoot will always hold a special place in my heart, as it was the catalyst for this unforgettable adventure.

July 14,2025
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Certainly, a significant portion of the Edmund Fitzgerald's renown stems from Gordon Lightfoot's song. However, the enigma of its sinking with all hands on board has confounded the maritime community for decades. Stonehouse leaves no stone unturned (pun intended) in his pursuit to present virtually all the available information regarding the storm, the ship, and their ill-fated encounter on November 10, 1975.


Over the years, the frequent additions to the text maintain the currency of the information. Paradoxically, this may also introduce more uncertainty as to what precisely transpired on that fateful night. Despite being non-fiction, it is truly a page-turner, captivating readers with its detailed exploration of this tragic event.

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