The GALES OF NOVEMBER: The Untold Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald presents the definitive account of the Edmund Fitzgerald disaster, drawing on more than 100 interviews with the families, friends, and former crewmates of those lost.
THE STORY
For three decades following World War II, the Great Lakes overtook Europe as the epicenter of global economic strength. The region was the beating heart of the world economy, possessing all the power and prestige Silicon Valley does today. And no ship represented the apex of the American Century better than the 729-foot-long Edmund Fitzgerald―the biggest, best, and most profitable ship on the Lakes.
But on November 10, 1975, as the “storm of the century” threw 100 mile-per-hour winds and 50-foot waves on Lake Superior, the Mighty Fitz found itself at the worst possible place, at the worst possible time. When she sank, she took all 29 men onboard down with her, leaving the tragedy shrouded in mystery for a half century.
In The Gales of November, award-winning journalist John U. Bacon presents the definitive account of the disaster, drawing on more than 100 interviews with the families, friends, and former crewmates of those lost. Bacon explores the vital role Great Lakes shipping played in America’s economic boom, the uncommon lives the sailors led, the sinking’s most likely causes, and the heartbreaking aftermath for those left behind—”the wives, the sons, and the daughters,” as Gordon Lightfoot sang in his unforgettable ballad.
Awards
- Smithsonian – 10 Best History Books of 2025
- Bookpage – Best Books of 2025
Activities and programming ideas – coming soon!
THE AUTHOR
John U. Bacon has written 14 books, including eight national bestsellers. Good Morning America called his previous book, Let Them Lead: Unexpected Lessons in Leadership from America’s Worst High School Hockey Team, “The real Ted Lasso.” His latest book, the New York Times Best Seller THE GALES OF NOVEMBER: The Untold Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald, has earned strong praise, including a starred review from Kirkus. He has written for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and Time magazine, among others, appears often on national TV, and won NPR’s prize for the nation’s best commentary in 2014.
John is a decent Spanish speaker, an average hockey player, and a poor piano player, but he still enjoys all three. He lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with his wife and son.
THE BOOK
The Gales of November: The Untold Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald
Liveright, 2025
ISBN 978-0-87020-914-7
To order single copies, visit the author’s website, your independent bookstore or borrow from your local library.
