THE GALES OF NOVEMBER The Untold Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald

Bacon's book is significantly longer than Gordon Lightfoot's renowned song, so listeners will learn a lot more about the tragic sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald in 1975. Johnny Heller presents fascinating details that include the physics of Great Lakes waves, the growth of their shipping industry, other notable wrecks, the commissioning and building of the Edmund Fitzgerald, biographies of the Fitz's 29 crew members, and the tragedy's aftermath--in addition to the gripping tale of the Fitz's last voyage. Heller's slight rasp doesn't slow down his propulsive narration but instead lends it urgency and, in the last chapters, a hushed respect for the victims of the wreck and their survivors. Heller makes this account of the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald just as masterful as Gordon Lightfoot's timeless ballad. V.S. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2025]