The Gales of November: The Untold Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald
4.7 | 1,537 ratings
Price: 20.39
Last update: 02-02-2026
Top reviews from the United States
- Ralph B. from TennesseePowerfulThis is an incredibly powerful and moving book. The book was published to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the tragic loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald. John U. Bacon has done a masterful job of telling this story. The research is meticulous and the writing is clear and sharp. Bacon presents an overview of the Great Lakes shipping industry, which provides context for his story. The author lays out the sequence of events leading up to the tragedy. He offers sketches of each crew member, focusing on several with whom he interviewed family members and friends. He gives us a view of the hopes and aspirations of many of the men who died that night. Finally, Bacon some new thoughts about what might have contributed to the tragedy and describes some changes to the shipping industry in the aftermath of the loss. This is one of the best books I have read in a long time and I highly recommend it.
- BikeSteveOutstanding account, rich in detail.As we approach the 50 year anniversary of this tragedy, I found Mr. Bacon's incredibly well-researched book to be well-paced and balanced between the stories of the crew and their families and enough technical detail to be at once engaging and enlightening.
I've been a "recreational sailor" on both Lakes Superior and Michigan (including racing in both Chicago-Mac and the Queen's Cup) and having experienced a few fresh breezes I still can't begin to imagine the intensity of the storm that the freighter crews (not only on the Fitz) endured that day and night. Mr Bacon captures that intensity well, with measured yet compelling story-telling to help project the reader onto the ship before and during those fateful hours.
His interviews with friends and family members uncover intimate details that further broaden and deepen the narrative, and his discussions with marine scientists who have studied the storms, the ships, and the lake provide useful insight into the factors that led to the Fitzgerald's demise.
I highly recommend the book to anyone with an interest in maritime history, the Great Lakes shipping industry, or just the human interest of the experience and legacy of such a tragic loss of life. - thriller aficionadoIn the Wake of the Fitzgerald: A MasterpieceJohn Bacon's "The Gales of November" is not just a retelling of the Edmund Fitzgerald tragedy; it's a uniquely compelling and profoundly human story that will leave you breathless. What sets Bacon's work apart is his remarkable ability to immerse himself in the lives of the survivors and those touched by the loss. He doesn't just recount the events; he brings the crew and their families to life, allowing the reader to truly feel the weight of the tragedy. It's a level of empathy and connection I've rarely seen achieved, transforming the narrative into something deeply personal and unforgettable. Beyond this, Bacon masterfully weaves meticulously researched history, the "storm of the century" environmental factors, and the Great Lakes shipping industry into a fast-moving narrative. From the captivating beginning through his description of Gordon Lightfoot’s crafting of his enduring song, "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald," Bacon solidifies his place as a master storyteller. This is a must-read that you won't be able to put down. Highest marks!!
- Brian LewisWhen the Waves Turn the Minutes to HoursI enjoyed this book, although not as much as some other reviewers here, and elsewhere. I have seen it on several national media lists of best books of the year.
Certainly, a section near the end where the another ship, the Anderson, is in communication with the Edmund Fitzgerald as they both struggle through a once in a century storm to reach Whitefish Bay is absolutely riveting. I also liked learning about Gordon Lightfoot's work in recording his famous ballad, although that did not amount to much.
But honestly, I thought the first half of the book dragged on and on, as the author tried to include everyone in the narrative, instead of just picking a few representatives. You go from one soul crushing bar to another to another. I didn't learn anything new about the tragedy, so I certainly can't see how this can be billed as the untold story. And do you really get to know a character when all you hear about them is their eulogy?
I will say recommended, because if you don't know the story of the Edmund Fitzgerald this might be a good place to start. And the second half of the book is compelling.