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Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 53 votes)
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53 reviews
July 14,2025
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I purchased this book several years ago,

yet I simply never found the time to read it.

I am truly glad that I have finally done so.

The reason why the loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald is so fascinating is that there is simply not a great deal known about what transpired during that fateful, final voyage.

Stonehouse did an excellent job of differentiating between what was fact and what was mere conjecture or speculation.

The book encompasses the final reports from the National Transportation Safety Board and the United States Coast Guard, as well as a rebuttal from the Lake Carriers Association.

Expeditions to the wreck site are deliberated upon, along with the diverse theories of other individuals and organizations, including one of my Professors from Michigan Tech (I can vividly recall him integrating the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald into several of his assignments).

Although Stonehouse presents some of his own conclusions and makes it abundantly clear that they are his opinions and not facts, we will never be certain precisely what led to the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald and the loss of 29 souls on November 10, 1975.

If you have even the slightest interest in the Edmund Fitzgerald, I highly recommend this book.
July 14,2025
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Lots of good information is presented, but it comes across as dry and rather technical. It seems to lack the human element that would make it more engaging. I had hoped to have learned more about the people involved. Their stories, experiences, and perspectives could have added a whole new dimension to the content. It's not just about the facts and figures; it's about the individuals who bring those facts and figures to life. By delving deeper into the people's backgrounds, we could gain a better understanding of the context and significance of the information. This would make the learning experience more enjoyable and memorable. Instead of just reading through a list of technical details, we could connect with the people behind them and see how they have contributed to the subject matter.

July 14,2025
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Anything you wanted to know that can be known about the historical Great Lakes shipwreck immortalized in song. Stonehouse, one of the foremost experts in Great Lakes maritime history, conducts an in-depth analysis. He sifts through both fact and opinion, leveraging his unique knowledge base. He doesn't shy away from expressing opinions but carefully separates them from the known facts. Additionally, he supplements his analysis with the actual findings, conclusions, and recommended actions from various entities such as the DOT, NTSB, Coast Guard, and even the Lake Carrier's Association.


In sum, this calamity is the result of multiple "ineptitudes" at different levels. However, the full truth remains elusive due to other "ineptitudes". I possess the 30th edition of his work. He occasionally updates the book with more analysis and information every decade or two as new books and opinions/theories emerge, which he戏称 as the "ever-ready bunny".

July 14,2025
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The book was truly interesting.

However, it is important to note that it is not a novel.

It is based on facts regarding the ship, the crew, and the winter storm.

Nevertheless, when it comes to what actually happened to the ship and how it sank, the book is suppositional in theory.

It presents various hypotheses and speculations, which add an element of mystery and intrigue to the story.

Readers are left to wonder and form their own opinions about the fate of the ship.

Despite its non-fiction nature, the book manages to engage the reader's imagination and keep them hooked from start to finish.

It offers a unique perspective on a real event and invites further exploration and discussion.

Overall, it is a captivating read that combines factual information with theoretical suppositions.
July 14,2025
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Haunted by the shipwreck that occurred during my senior year of high school, it has always been on my mind. Then Gordon Lightfoot penned the song, and I played it on my guitar countless times. Recently, I discovered a wonderful exploration into the mysteries surrounding the incident in a used bookstore. It is the perfect read for the shore. The account is great as it recounts all sides and opinions. We will never know precisely what happened, but we will always remember her and the 29 lives that were lost. This tragic event has left an indelible mark on my memory, and reading about it again in this new account has brought back a flood of emotions. It serves as a reminder of the power of nature and the fragility of human life. The mystery continues to intrigue me, and I find myself constantly seeking more information about this fateful shipwreck.

July 14,2025
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This book presents an interesting, albeit somewhat impersonal, combination of elements.

It contains a wealth of facts and conclusions, reproducing a significant portion of the Coast Guard and NTBS reports on the wreck.

In addition, it includes the author's opinions regarding the Coast Guard's readiness.

However, there is virtually no information provided about the crew, which is a notable omission.

Despite this, I believe that this book serves as a good starting point for anyone who is interested in delving into the fate of the Edmund Fitzgerald.

It offers a comprehensive overview of the incident and its various aspects, allowing readers to gain a better understanding of the events that led to the ship's tragic loss.

Whether you are a history buff, a maritime enthusiast, or simply someone curious about this infamous disaster, this book is definitely worth a read.

It provides a unique perspective and valuable insights that will surely engage and inform you.
July 14,2025
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The Edmund Fitzgerald, truly did sink on November 10, 1975.

This remarkable book offers an in-depth exploration into the fateful journey of the ill-fated ship. It delves deep into what the last days and hours of the crew and those on board might have been like.

One can almost imagine the紧张气氛 (紧张气氛: tense atmosphere) on the ship as it sailed through the treacherous waters. The crew, going about their daily tasks, perhaps unaware of the impending disaster.

As the storm clouds gathered and the waves grew higher, the situation on board must have become increasingly desperate. The captain and his officers, trying to navigate the ship to safety, but ultimately facing the inevitable.

This book provides a fascinating and poignant account of a tragic event that has captured the imagination of people for decades. It is a must-read for anyone interested in maritime history or the human experience in the face of disaster.
July 14,2025
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On the 38th anniversary of the sinking, it is truly a moment to look back and reflect.

This book offers a wealth of information on a significant piece of Great Lakes history. Interestingly, for me, it was mainly associated with a song.

It's a captivating read that doesn't take long to get through. As you turn the pages, you'll find yourself developing a deeper appreciation for the vast and beautiful lakes.

Moreover, it also gives you a better understanding and respect for the hardworking people who make their living on these lakes.

It's a reminder of the rich history and the important role that the Great Lakes have played and continue to play in our lives.

This book is not just a collection of facts but a vivid portrayal of a bygone era that will leave a lasting impression on the reader.
July 14,2025
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I have a profound love for the ocean, disasters, and great songs. Therefore, this particular book piqued my interest significantly.

This small yet densely packed volume did an excellent job of presenting almost everything related to the sinking. It included maps, imagery, reports, details of later expeditions, and information about memorials. You name it, and it was covered.

However, the reports, which were placed incompletely at the back of the book, were rather challenging to get through. There is very little actual writing in this book, and what is present often consists of opinions and (very) declarative statements. The author definitely did not hold back when it came to criticizing the Coast Guard, and in my opinion, he was right to do so.

I'm not entirely sure if it was the subject matter or the book itself that made me enjoy it, but I still did. As the author quotes multiple times from Gordon, it is clear that the legend lives on!
July 14,2025
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I had no prior knowledge about the wreck apart from just a few snippets of the song.

This book, although being very factual, quite technical, and to some extent repetitive, is still an easy one to read.

As I delved deeper into it, I gradually discovered that it was actually quite fascinating.

The detailed accounts and descriptions provided in the book gave me a much better understanding of the wreck and the events that surrounded it.

Despite its technical nature, the author managed to present the information in a way that was accessible to the average reader.

I found myself constantly engaged and eager to learn more about this particular wreck.

It was like uncovering a hidden treasure trove of knowledge, and I'm glad I took the time to read this book.

Overall, it was a worthwhile read that left a lasting impression on me.
July 14,2025
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I enjoyed this book for the most part.

The details about the Edmund Fitzgerald ship were truly fascinating. It was interesting to learn about the various aspects of this ill-fated vessel.

What was unexpected was learning how the coast guard responded and realizing that they are not as well-equipped as they ought to be. This revelation added an extra layer of depth to the story.

However, the style of writing is a little on the dry side. It could have been more engaging and lively to keep the reader more captivated.

Moreover, I also thought that some of the Q & A portion was unnecessary and repetitive of what was already stated in the earlier chapters. This repetition could have been avoided to make the book more concise and focused.

Overall, despite these drawbacks, the book still provided valuable insights and information about the Edmund Fitzgerald and related topics.
July 14,2025
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This book was truly great!

After visiting White Point, I have always had a strong desire to learn more about this remarkable ship. And this book has practically covered every single bit of information that I longed to know.

I was unaware that at that time, it was one of the largest fresh water ships on the lakes. It is astonishing that they never managed to find anyone from the ship. What also amazes me is that the bridge door was open, yet they never found any sign of life or anyone at all.

The ship passed all of its inspections with only minor offenses. But then, why did the navigation and radio go out? And why would they even attempt to sail in those rough seas? It really makes you think about life from a different perspective.

I highly recommend this book not only to English classes in high school but also to any person who is interested in any type of ships, boats, or simply enjoys reading about historical events. It is a nice and easy-to-read book, and it is also accompanied by quite a few pictures, which makes it even more engaging.
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