The Gales of November

The Untold Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald

De: John U. Bacon

Narrado por: Johnny Heller

On the fiftieth anniversary of the Edmund Fitzgerald’s sinking, the bestselling author of The Great Halifax Explosion tells the definitive story of the “Mighty Fitz.”

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.

Focused on those directly affected by the tragedy, The Gales of November is both an emotional tribute to the lives lost and a propulsive, thrilling narrative history of America’s most-mourned maritime disaster.

“John Bacon has done it again! This is another riveting narrative that puts facts on a still-mesmerizing legend. But this is more than getting the details right. Bacon has distilled the essence of the story and rendered a huge monument to those lost and a great gift to the rest of us.”—Ken Burns, filmmaker

©2025 John U. Bacon LLC (P)2025 Recorded Books

Great storytelling

Bacon does a marvelous job of capturing the Great Lakes shipping industry. Not only is it a great history lesson, he weaves in the human side of everybody working on the Fitz. A must read.

Midwest Must Read

This book was a timely read as we are coming up on the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the Fitz. The writing was interesting and compelling, and it gave great honor to the men who serve on Great Lakes.

Interesting story of the Edmund Fitzgerald

I liked this book and learned a lot about the Great Lakes and naval navigation. He explains the technicalities well for this landlubber. It did get repetitive in some areas. The stories of the men and their families were touching. A nice review of Gordon Lightfoot’s wonderful song. A good epilogue. I do recommend this book if you’re interested in this disaster.

Great Story and excellent presentation!

Honestly, I almost gave it 4/5 overall, but that wouldn’t be fair. What I found lacking was more of a discussion and maybe a conclusion as to what happened based on all the groups that did review boards and what we have found since visiting the wreck.

A great storyteller

This is an excellent story that is well told. It is provides an history of Great Lake shipping and the people involved.

Outstanding

Outstanding research. Brought the crew to life instead of just being 29 men. Bless them all.

Interesting facts about the shipping and Lake Superior

The narrator was really, personable and interesting bringing the sailors to life making you feel that you really knew them.

We Are Holding Our Own

Excellent though sad. I am also a sailor and you see alot of things out here. Stories like this shake you too your core and definently make you pay attention to detail.

If You Like the Song, You’ll love this book

Captivating and detailed! Excellent listen.

It takes the story most of us know from Gordon Lightfoot’s poignant ballad and gives it so much depth. You get to know the 29 people the bell chimes for each year. How they all came to be on that ship that night. Why the “Gales of November” are uniquely fierce. You learn the details about capsizing, breaking up, and if the main hatchways really gave way. You get to really know the names of the wives and the sons and the daughters.

You get to know the lakes too. The usually untold impact of Great Lakes Shipping, the iron ore industry, and the incredible differences between sailing on lakes compared to the ocean. Why superior never gives up her dead and what’s been done since this tragedy to prevent future horrors.

For anyone who likes the song and wants to know more, this is the book you’re looking for.

The sons and the daughters

I started on the 50th anniversary of the Edmund Fitzgerald tragedy. I am so glad that the author included so much information about the sailors and their families. The tattoo is particularly wholesome. So, too, is the epilogue of the captain's wife. He just wanted to get home to her. The audible presentation was odd. My location kept jumping around, and I listened to some of the chapters several times with no way to advance. Perhaps this was a problem with my Audible app. I do recommend this book. It's so nice to know about the sons and the daughters.