Know Your Ships Shipping Related Books and Videos


GREAT LAKES TALES
'AHOY & FAREWELL' (Revised Edition) This outstanding, hardcover publication of the Marine Historical Society of Detroit chronicles vessels that entered service on the Lakes (Ahoy) or that left the Lakes (Farewell) between 1944 and 1969. More than 700 vessels of 1000 gross registered tons or more that comprised the US and Canadian Great Lakes fleet are included in this book, which also includes a photo gallery of vessels. Hardcover; 236 pages, illustrated … $34.95
‘A SAILOR’S LOGBOOK: A Season Aboard Great Lakes Freighters’ Mark L. Thompson began this logbook after he reported for duty aboard the Calcite II for the 1996 shipping season. This volume is the first to chronicle a sailor’s life at the end of the 20th century. Not just a detailing of weather, cargo and crew relations, “A Sailor’s Logbook” is also an account of the daily lives of a diverse group of crewmembers as they share their sailing knowledge, “sea stories” and the many memories that accompany the pictures. If you want to know what life is really like aboard the lakers, this is a must-read. Paperbound; 328 pages ... $27.95
'LAKE EFFECT: A Deckhand's Journey on the Great Lakes Freighters' In the early 1970s, the author sailed on four different U.S. Steel freighters as a deckhand and deckwatch. Ten years later, he enrolled in the Great Lakes Maritime Academy as a deck cadet and sailed on the 1,000-footer Columbia Star. This often funny, insightful memoir follows his voyage of self-discovery. "Lake Effect" is a great read, hard to put down and a unique view into the life of a Great Lakes sailor. If you want to know what life was like on the boats in the 1970s, this book lets you know. Paperbound; 224 pages, black and white photos ... $17.95
'SHIPS OF THE GREAT LAKES: 300 Years of Navigation' A lively account of life on the Great Lakes. James P. Barry's book includes accounts of the building of the Welland and Soo canals and the St. Lawrence Seaway, and recounts progress in technology, lifesaving, icebreaking and shipbuilding. With many superb photographs. Paperbound; 252 pages ... $24.95
'SHIPS OF THE GREAT LAKES COOKBOOK' Welcome aboard some of the grandest ships to ever sail the Lakes, discover their histories and meet the men and women responsible for this bounty of more than 400 recipes. This superb, well-illustrated cookbook is like no other! Paperbound; 450 pages … $24.95
‘SOO LOCKS VISITOR'S GUIDE’ Revised edition of this 24-page booklet is amply illustrated with color photos and drawings, and includes the history of the Soo Locks, how the locks operate, a look at the ships of the Soo Locks, a Soo Locks fact list and an overview of the Twin Sault Ste. Marie area. Paperbound ... $7.95
‘TIN STACKERS: The History of the Pittsburgh Steamship Co.’ Historian Al Miller tells the story of the Pittsburgh Steamship Co., at one time the largest commercial fleet in the world, against the backdrop of history that shaped its growth. Drawing on company records and interviews with officials and sailors, Miller tells how the fleet kept organized labor off Great Lakes ships while leading the way in efficient operation, technological advancement and employee safety. He emphasizes the human element in the company’s history by relating the personal challenges faced by crews, and he includes many archival photos. Hardcover; 352 pages ... $37.95
'USCG MACKINAW: An Illustrated History of a Great Lakes Queen' Mike Fornes follows the career of the retired U.S. Coast Guard icebreaker Mackinaw from building at Toledo, through service in World War II and beyond, touching on its captains, crews and the multitudes of vessels it helped over the years. Written in a casual fashion, with lots of interesting recollections from crewmen and plenty of pictures showing the Mac inside and out, there’s also lots of space devoted to the Mackinaw’s missions beyond icebreaking, including search and rescue and the traditional Christmas tree run to Chicago. Paperbound, 162 pages ... $29.95
SHIPWRECK STORIES
'GALES of NOVEMBER' Author Robert J. Hemming writes an extremely readable account of the Edmund Fitzgerald tragedy. With photos. Paperbound; 248 pages ... $16.95
'GRAVEYARD OF THE LAKES' The latest volume by Mark L. Thompson, author of “A Sailor’s Logbook” and “Queen of the Lakes.” “Graveyards” examines specific Great Lakes shipwrecks, from the 1679 loss of the Griffon to the explosion of the tanker Jupiter in 1990, with an eye to the economic, political and psychological factors involved. He includes factual accounts of more than 100 wrecks, and suggests that most of the accidents and deaths on the lakes have been the result of human error, ranging from simple mistakes to gross incompetence. Further, Thompson, a seasoned Great Lakes sailor, concludes that rather than learn from those errors, ship-owners, captains and crews throughout Great Lakes history have been slow to accept change that would result in greater safety. Paperbound; 419 pages ... $26.95
'GREAT LAKES SHIPWRECKS & SURVIVALS' William Ratigan's classic details modern-day disasters such as the Edmund Fitzgerald and Carl D. Bradley with gripping narrative, the same style he employs when telling the tales of many shipwrecks of the past. First published in 1960 and revised in 1977, Ratigan's book remains a perennial best seller and is a must-have for every marine enthusiast. Paperbound; 381 pages ... $18.95
'HAUNTED LAKES' Noted historian and award winning author Frederick Stonehouse spent years researching reports of the odd and ghostly accounts, which surround the Great Lakes. Now he brings them to you for your frightful enjoyment. With 52 illustrations. Paperbound; 204 pages ... $14.95
'HAUNTED LAKES II' Spirits, sea serpents and superstitions. The inland seas of the Great Lakes offer just as many spellbinding ghostly tales as the saltwater seas. One book simply couldn’t carry all the stories – hence this sequel to the popular “Haunted Lakes.” Once again, maritime author Frederick Stonehouse compiles the mystifying tales of ghosts on boats, underwater and in lighthouses, of underwater creatures and shipboard superstitions. Paperbound; 190 pages, with illustrations ... $14.95
'IF WE MAKE IT TO DAYLIGHT' Author Frank Mays is one of two survivors of the Carl D. Bradley wreck on Lake Michigan, Nov. 18, 1958. He tells his story to shipwreck divers/documentarians Pat and Jim Stayer and Tim Juhl. In addition to Mays' story, the book contains firsthand accounts from the crew of the USCG Sundew, which braved the terrible storm to rescue Mays. It recounts Mays' life after the sinking (including his 1995 dive to the wreck in a submersible) and also includes the results of the U.S. Coast Guard inquiry into the wreck. Photos of all the men lost on the Bradley are also included, as are many photos showing the survivors being brought aboard at Charlevoix and of the many memorial services held in Rogers City, Mich., home for most of those lost on the Bradley. Paperbound; 224 pages ... $14.95
‘THE NIGHT THE FITZ WENT DOWN’ Hugh E. Bishop’s book examines the main theories about what caused the loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald and brings out, for the first time, the voice of Capt. Dudley Paquette, who was master of the S.S. Wilfred Sykes, also sailing Lake Superior that night. Blending history with human tragedy, the book gives an interesting analysis of the facts and offers another perspective on the disaster. Paperbound; 192 pages, with photos ... $14.95
'THE WHEELSMAN' Author Ric Mixter invites readers to experience four Great Lakes shipwrecks through the eyes of the men who were at the helm. Revisit the loss of the Cedarville, Novadoc and Escanaba and take a harrowing ride through the Great Storm of 1913. 194 pages … $19.95
'WRECK OF THE EDMUND FITZGERALD' Frederick Stonehouse employs many black and white photos (including underwater views) as well as portions of the official U.S. Coast Guard Marine Casualty Report to tell the story of the ill-fated ore carrier, lost with all hands on Lake Superior in 1975. This 30th edition is expanded and updated. Paperbound; 274 pages ... $17.95
'WRECKS and RESCUES of the GREAT LAKES' Author James P. Barry reveals the human drama of shipping disasters and rescues on the Great Lakes. Included are tragic tales such as the capsizing of the Eastland, the wreck of the liner Huronic and the loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald. Paperbound, 111 pages ... $19.95
ALSO AVAILABLE ...
RECOMMENDED: 'CENTENNIAL: Steaming Through The American Century' Chris Winters' acclaimed book captures the essence of life aboard the 100-plus-year-old Great Lakes steamboat St. Marys Challenger. This 240-page coffee table book contains over 300 images including archival and contemporary material. Hardcover … $50
DVDS
‘CEMENT BOAT’ New documentary from Ric Mixter follows the history and route of the cement carrier S.S Alpena. Crew interviews offer a real insight into what life on the lakes is like. Extras include an inside tour of the 111-year-old steamer E.M. Ford. (Running time: approx. 60 minutes) ... $19.95
'CUTTER RESCUES' Escanaba. Hollyhock. Mackinaw. Sundew. Four steel ships, built to protect those who sail the Great Lakes. Ric Mixter's DVD tells their stories. (Running time: approx. 50 minutes) ... $19.95
'DEEP SIX: Titanics of the Great Lakes' From the producers of "The Edmund Fitzgerald Investigation" comes this new, 1-hour video exploring six major Great Lakes shipwrecks: Cedarville, Daniel J. Morrell, Carl D. Bradley, James Carruthers, William C. Moreland and Edmund Fitzgerald. Interviews with survivors of four of these shipwrecks reveal a gripping story of man against nature. (Running time, 1 hour) ... $19.95
'EDMUND FITZGERALD: The Lasting Legacy' This new DVD includes an interview with Capt. Donald Erickson, who tells his story of taking the William Clay Ford back out into the raging storm in an attempt to rescue the Fitzgerald's crew. With underwater video and the actual radiotelephone calls as other vessels and the Coast Guard discovered the Fitz was missing. (Running time: approx. 50 minutes) ... $19.95
'FINAL RUN: Storms of the Century' DVD remembers the Great Lakes' worst tempests, including those of 1905, and 1913 and the infamous Armistice Day and Black Friday storms. Plus a bonus video on the history of whaleback ships, interactive wreck sites for three shipwrecks and more. (Running time: approx.60 minutes) ... $19.95
'GREAT LAKES SHIPS IN ACTION, Vol. 1' Excellent footage of nearly 100 vessels (several of which are no longer in service), from tugs to 1,000-footers, set to relaxing classical music (no narration or annoying subtitles). Some of the vessels on the tape include the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Mackinaw, Kinsman Enterprise, Mesabi Miner, Willowglen, Edward L. Ryerson, Labradoc and Arthur M. Anderson. (Running time: approx. 50 minutes) ... $19.95
'THE EDMUND FITZGERALD INVESTIGATION' Lost with all hands in 1975, the "Big Fitz" remains a mystery to this day. This 1997 video looks at the Fitzgerald tragedy and also documents various expeditions that have visited the shipwreck as it sits on Lake Superior’s frigid bottom. (Running time: approx. 30 minutes) ... $19.95