The Gales of November

The Untold Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald

By: John U. Bacon

Narrated by: 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.

Outstanding!

Amazing research! The story was told with tremendous compassion and respect. Incredibly well done! Best book I've ever read about the Fitz

Extensive research; suspect editing

I enjoyed the narrative and the thoroughness of the author’s research . I was disappointed early in the book by a glaring mistake that an editor should have corrected. At page 17 (I checked the print edition to confirm that I had heard correctly) there is a reference to the establishment of the Weather Service in 1890 under President William Henry Harrison. The President in 1890 was Benjamin Harrison. William Henry Harrison died in 1841.

Edmond Fitzgerald

An excellent title, long overdue! Well done and fantastic narration. This is a tribute to so many people at multiple levels.

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.