The Gales of November: The Untold Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald

For decades after World War II, the Great Lakes region was a powerhouse of global economic strength, rivaling Europe. The 729-foot Edmund Fitzgerald, the largest and most profitable ship on the Lakes, symbolized the American Century. However, on November 10, 1975, a catastrophic storm with 100 mph winds and 50-foot waves on Lake Superior led to the sinking of the Mighty Fitz and the loss of all 29 men aboard, leaving a mystery that endured for half a century.

In The Gales of November, award-winning journalist John U. Bacon delivers the definitive account of this maritime disaster. Drawing on over 100 interviews with families, friends, and former crewmates, Bacon delves into the critical role of Great Lakes shipping in America's economic boom, the unique lives of the sailors, the most probable causes of the sinking, and the profound aftermath for those left behind. This narrative history focuses on the individuals directly impacted by the tragedy, serving as both an emotional tribute and a compelling exploration of one of America's most remembered maritime disasters.

This book, recognized as a New York Times Best Seller, uncovers the untold story of the Edmund Fitzgerald and the fateful events of that November.