Lake Boats: The Enduring Vessels of the Great Lakes

by Greg McDonnell

The romance of the great inland sea. This large-format, full-color pictorial pays tribute to the historic ships still at work on the Great Lakes, from ancient cement boats such as the 100-year-old St Marys Challenger to venerable "straight-deckers," self-unloaders and 1,000-footers sailing under the familiar flags of prominent Great Lakes Algoma Central, Upper Lakes, Lower Lakes, American Steamship, Canada Steamship Lines and others. With more than 170 photographs by the author and other fine transportation photographers, Lake Boats celebrates these mariners and working ships of the St. Lawrence Seaway and Great Lakes. A thorough appendix cites exact identification, specifications and the history of each vessel included in the book. An extraordinary range of images -- from close-up and interior views of engine rooms and pilothouses to panoramic scenes of these noble workhorse vessels sailing North America's inland seas -- makes Lake Boats a remarkable celebration.

Genres: History

160 pages, Hardcover

First published September 14, 2007

Reviews

[ALLEN · Rating 4 out of 5]

Industry, rather than atmosphere, is key to understanding this colorful volume by famed railroad photographer Greg McDonnell. Whether these big boats are carrying taconite pellets (iron ore), grain, aggregates or other necessities, they are and will continue to be on the job for years to come. McDonnell has a wonderful eye for the interplay between things and nature. The text is not terribly informative, but just witnessing these Great Lakes behemoths at work is worth the price of admission.

Photo: VANCOUVER TRADER in Welland Canal, Ontario:

[Nic Rowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read it with my daughter daily.

[Gerald Matzke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book caught my eye in our local library. It is essentially a picture book of freighters on the Great Lakes. These have always been fascinating for me since I have close ties to two of the towns where these boats were built. The pictures were taken over a period of ten years and as a result some of the freighters mentioned are no longer in service. The introductory material gives the reader a feel for life on the lakes.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous photographs of Great Lakes vessels. Beautiful ships in various locations.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Would love to own this book