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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The SS Edmund Fitzgerald is a ship that met a tragic end, and by far the most comprehensive account of its sinking exists.

This account presents the facts in a detailed and objective manner, with little room for the argumentation of any one particular theory.

It delves into the events leading up to the sinking, including the ship's voyage, the weather conditions it encountered, and the actions of the crew.

By focusing on the facts, this account allows readers to form their own opinions about what might have caused the disaster.

It provides a wealth of information that is essential for understanding the full story of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald's sinking.

Whether you are a history buff, a maritime enthusiast, or simply someone interested in learning more about this famous tragedy, this comprehensive account is a must-read.
July 14,2025
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I have known a bit about the Fitzgerald, yet I had not delved into the details of the ship and her tragic wreck. I read the 40th anniversary edition. Perhaps I could have waited until next year, assuming there will be a 50th anniversary edition, but this one was already part of our book collection.

I truly enjoyed the intricate details and the author's obvious depth of knowledge and passion for this wreck and the Lakes maritime community. However, unfortunately, there were numerous and at times glaring typos and formatting errors throughout the book. These flaws detracted from some of my own personal enjoyment of the book as a whole.

It also proved beneficial that I have had a significant background in reading about the Titanic. This prior knowledge helped me avoid getting bogged down in the nautical terms. Otherwise, it might not be an outstanding book for a casual reader attempting to learn about the wreck.

Overall, despite the flaws, the book still provided valuable insights and a captivating account of the Fitzgerald and her fateful end.
July 14,2025
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Interesting,

yet a little dry and technical. This description often applies to various subjects or topics that hold a certain allure but may lack the engaging qualities that make them immediately captivating.

For example, in the field of science, some concepts can be truly fascinating, but the way they are presented or explained might come across as dry and overly technical.

This can make it challenging for those without a deep background in the subject to fully appreciate and understand the significance.

However, it's important to note that the dry and technical nature doesn't necessarily mean the content is unimportant or uninteresting.

With the right approach and a bit of effort, one can often uncover the hidden gems within these seemingly unappealing topics.

It may require breaking down the complex ideas into more digestible chunks, using real-life examples or analogies to make them more relatable.

By doing so, we can transform the dry and technical into something that is not only interesting but also accessible to a wider audience.

July 14,2025
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I skimmed through a significant portion of the technical jargon present in this book.

However, it offered an enjoyably in-depth exploration of numerous aspects of "sea life" on Lake Superior.

The mystery of the events that transpired around the wreck is truly fascinating.

Moreover, this updated version vividly demonstrates how the mystery continues to endure.

It seems that no matter how much we try to uncover the truth, there are still elements that remain hidden beneath the surface.

The author has done a great job of presenting this complex topic in an engaging and accessible manner.

Readers will surely be captivated by the detailed accounts and the ongoing enigma that surrounds the wreck on Lake Superior.

Overall, it is a book that offers both entertainment and a deeper understanding of the unique "sea life" and mysteries that exist in this vast body of water.

July 14,2025
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This is indeed a remarkable place to commence gathering information regarding the tragedy of the Edmund Fitzgerald.

I appreciate the way the author showcases both the Coast Guard and the Lake Carrier's Association reports. However, at times, his personal opinions seep through, and we encounter a degree of generalization and over-simplification within an otherwise 'unbiased' perspective.

It is an extremely rapid and thrilling read, presented in a very engaging manner. The final moments of the ship are vividly described by making use of the known communication between the Arthur Anderson and Fitzgerald. (I experienced goose-bumps this weekend when the Anderson passed beneath the lift bridge in Duluth.) It truly has a dramatic flair. I find it impossible to envision what it would be like to plunge into a trough and never regain stability.

There is a great deal of debate concerning safety standards, and the overarching question persists: How can a modern ship sink so swiftly? But, as Lightfoot so aptly put it, "Superior they say, never gives up her dead," and she also withholds many of her secrets.

As one reviewer noted, I would have preferred to know more about the crew. Nevertheless, this book is still well-written, and the information is presented effectively. This was the 30-year updated version.

Highly recommended.
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