What do you think?
Rate this book
So Terrible a Storm: A Tale of Fury on Lake Superior
It was Thanksgiving 1905 and thirty-one ships were on Lake Superior, making the season's last, daring run--a run old salts had warned against, but to no avail against the shipping companies' demands. What none of the sailors knew until it was far too late was that they would soon face the worst storm ever to hit the Great Lake, a storm that nearly half of their number would not survive.
This is the story of that fateful storm, and of one of the worst shipping disasters in the nation's history. As the storm strikes without warning, readers are taken aboard the SS Mataafa as it crashes into Duluth's piers, half of the crew freezing to death overnight as the other half survives by dancing through the dark around bathtubs set ablaze with scuttled pieces of the ship--all while 10,000 Duluthians set bonfires on shore to guide ships to safety. Next we find ourselves aboard the SS Ira H. Owen, crashing into the cliff where Split Rock Lighthouse would later be built, too late for these men. And here too are the many ships, from Canadian shores to Michigan, where all hands were lost. It is a story drawn from the accounts of witnesses and survivors. It is a tale of people pitted against the elements, of a disaster so extreme that, in its wake, weather forecasting, shipbuilding, and compass-reading in light of the Iron Range's magnetism were forever changed.
This is the story of that fateful storm, and of one of the worst shipping disasters in the nation's history. As the storm strikes without warning, readers are taken aboard the SS Mataafa as it crashes into Duluth's piers, half of the crew freezing to death overnight as the other half survives by dancing through the dark around bathtubs set ablaze with scuttled pieces of the ship--all while 10,000 Duluthians set bonfires on shore to guide ships to safety. Next we find ourselves aboard the SS Ira H. Owen, crashing into the cliff where Split Rock Lighthouse would later be built, too late for these men. And here too are the many ships, from Canadian shores to Michigan, where all hands were lost. It is a story drawn from the accounts of witnesses and survivors. It is a tale of people pitted against the elements, of a disaster so extreme that, in its wake, weather forecasting, shipbuilding, and compass-reading in light of the Iron Range's magnetism were forever changed.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published October 31, 2008
86 people are currently reading
333 people want to read
About the author
Curt Brown
5 books17 followersA longtime Minnesota journalist, Curt won awards for his coverage of the Vikings, the US-Dakota War, the North Dakota oil boom and other topics.
He's written three nonfiction books: His 2008 "So Terrible a Storm" (Voyageur Press) chronicled a wicked storm on Lake Superior in 1905.
His 2012 ebook of a Star Tribune serial narrative examining the US-Dakota War of 1862, "In the Footsteps of Little Crow" climbed to No. 14 on the New York Times ebook bestseller list for nonfiction.
And his latest book, "The William Marvy Company of St. Paul, Keeping Barber Shops Classic," tells the story of the last barber pole makers in America.
Curt lives with his wife near Durango, Colo.
He's written three nonfiction books: His 2008 "So Terrible a Storm" (Voyageur Press) chronicled a wicked storm on Lake Superior in 1905.
His 2012 ebook of a Star Tribune serial narrative examining the US-Dakota War of 1862, "In the Footsteps of Little Crow" climbed to No. 14 on the New York Times ebook bestseller list for nonfiction.
And his latest book, "The William Marvy Company of St. Paul, Keeping Barber Shops Classic," tells the story of the last barber pole makers in America.
Curt lives with his wife near Durango, Colo.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
April 30, 2016
Well written and at times engrossing account of a 1905 storm and the impact on the men who worked the books. It includes a new overview of the history of the Great Lakes.
August 21, 2012
Like "The Perfect Storm," this is an unbelievable true story. I had no inkling that there was a storm on Lake Superior in 1905 that far surpassed the one that sank the Edmund Fitzgerald in 1975. Brown's story layers the dramatic tales of survivors and those lost with the larger context that shows how different life was then, and in some ways how similar. It was especially satisfying to read this book while sitting at a window overlooking Lake Superior's North Shore, not far from the lighthouse built because of this storm.
September 20, 2020
I never heard of this storm and it's disastrous effect on people and the lakes so I enjoyed learning about this event. The writing was fine but a bit choppy. I prefer a more smoothly written narrative non-fiction style similar to Isaac's Storm: A Man, a Time, and the Deadliest Hurricane in History. Still, I learned something new and it was a weather-related drama so not too bad. :)
June 30, 2009
Always enjoy books about the Great Lakes. This history account was much more interesting than I thought it would be. Even has a great account of an early feminist reporter who left her mark on the history of Minnesota.
May 27, 2018
I thought it would take longer to read this. The 320 pages is deceiving. The book is double spaced so it should have been much less pages. Otherwise, very to the point and well written. Not a ton of detail but enough to "paint a picture". Definitely a good read.
July 19, 2019
I enjoyed it. Always fun to discover new slices of history.
May 18, 2021
3.5*. On a trip up to the North Shore, I decided to pick up a book about the area to really bring to life the weekend getaway. I had heard there were shipwrecks on the lake, and that Duluth had used to be an industrial hub, but being from the Land of 10,000 Lakes itself, to me, Superior was just another very large lake. I had no idea that the Great Lakes were more an Inland Sea than the comparative divots we have in our backyards.
Only two hours away lies the monstrous body of water that has claimed far more lives than we even know. So Terrible A Storm only begins to cover those tragic losses, focusing on the 1905 Mataafa Storm. To walk the Duluth pier where men devastatingly died in view of thousands, and to stroll the cliffs of Split Rock where others miraculously leaped from a sinking ship to scale the cliffs brought a whole new depth of respect and wonder to not only the lake itself, but to those who called it their home.
I've visited the North Shore every year for as long as I can remember, but never did I view it like I do now.
The content + moving pictures within these pages is well worth the read, though editorially some tweaks could be made to improve the choppiness. But maybe that was a tribute to the Great Lake itself. Who knows.
All in all, next time you head that way, pick up a book on the 1905 storm.
Only two hours away lies the monstrous body of water that has claimed far more lives than we even know. So Terrible A Storm only begins to cover those tragic losses, focusing on the 1905 Mataafa Storm. To walk the Duluth pier where men devastatingly died in view of thousands, and to stroll the cliffs of Split Rock where others miraculously leaped from a sinking ship to scale the cliffs brought a whole new depth of respect and wonder to not only the lake itself, but to those who called it their home.
I've visited the North Shore every year for as long as I can remember, but never did I view it like I do now.
The content + moving pictures within these pages is well worth the read, though editorially some tweaks could be made to improve the choppiness. But maybe that was a tribute to the Great Lake itself. Who knows.
All in all, next time you head that way, pick up a book on the 1905 storm.
October 10, 2020
An interesting historical account of a narrow slice of Great Lakes history. In 1905, a "super storm" blew in and the only person seemingly taking it seriously was the weather forecaster. There was cargo to ship in late November 1905 and money to be made. There was also plenty of blame to go around, finger pointing, accusations, and lawsuits. Primary accounts in the book are about a couple significant shipwrecks and how the crews lived and died under dire circumstances. The role of an important, significant, and considerate news woman was also highlighted. The book seemed well researched. It was also interesting the Split Rock Lighthouse was built because of the catastrophes on Lake Superior that fateful week and served as a beacon to saving countless ships later on.
February 11, 2024
My son lives near Lake Erie so this book about Lake Superior caught my attention. It turns out that several of the freighters who were caught in this epic storm were built in Cleveland, Ohio, city on Lake Erie. Just like in many other catastrophic storms, the weather reports were not always believed. The author weaves stories about the freighters, the crews, and the families with the impacts of the storm. All in all an enjoyable book if you like history.
December 6, 2018
Blessings to my public library for being able to get this for me via ILL.
Very well researched book. Obviously the material is very interesting. Even the tying up lose knots chapters were interesting at the end.
Those were not page turners and therefore the 4 starts versus 5, but very interesting read.
Very well researched book. Obviously the material is very interesting. Even the tying up lose knots chapters were interesting at the end.
Those were not page turners and therefore the 4 starts versus 5, but very interesting read.
January 13, 2018
It was interesting, but not fascinating. I've been to the North Shore many many times. Been to Split Rock many many times. Need to go again!
Lake Superior is a beautiful, stunning, and frightening place! Do NOT think you can outwit her, not even now....
Lake Superior is a beautiful, stunning, and frightening place! Do NOT think you can outwit her, not even now....
December 9, 2018
A good read
A fascinating story of tragedy and survival on Lake Superior set in Duluth Minnesota during an horrific late November storm. Exciting moments of peril and heroism are graphically told.
A fascinating story of tragedy and survival on Lake Superior set in Duluth Minnesota during an horrific late November storm. Exciting moments of peril and heroism are graphically told.
March 17, 2020
Blow by blow
What a fascinating book for experiencing shipping on the Great Lakes. The detail of the 1905 storm relived in vivid detail, it's like living through that time with them. Very enjoyable visuals of how life was then. Loved the depth into the lives of those involved.
What a fascinating book for experiencing shipping on the Great Lakes. The detail of the 1905 storm relived in vivid detail, it's like living through that time with them. Very enjoyable visuals of how life was then. Loved the depth into the lives of those involved.
June 27, 2017
An engrossing account of the ferocious November 1905 storm on Lake Superior that resulted in multiple shipwrecks and great loss of life.
August 13, 2018
not written very well, lacking in drama.
August 20, 2018
I couldn't put this down. Beautiful mix of fascinating history and enthralling prose. A beautiful journalistic take on a chilling story all Minnesotana should know
September 9, 2018
I enjoy reading stories that are based on places I have visited. Many times have I been to Lake Superior. After reading this book, I would like to revisit the North Shore and tour the lighthouses.
December 24, 2018
Sounded good. Too much detail. Finally bailed on it.
February 9, 2023
Attention holding story about an intense couple days on the big lake they called Gitchegumme.
March 10, 2017
Great Historical read.
March 2, 2017
*** 1/2
Interesting story that could have been told better. Phrases and sentences that pertained to a specific incident were repeated throughout the various chapters of the book.
While many ships were sunk or damaged, the primary focus was on just one ship, the Mataafa, probably because it's disaster played out so close to shore.
Interesting story that could have been told better. Phrases and sentences that pertained to a specific incident were repeated throughout the various chapters of the book.
While many ships were sunk or damaged, the primary focus was on just one ship, the Mataafa, probably because it's disaster played out so close to shore.
December 9, 2020
A fact-based history of the Great Lakes storm in 1905, known as the Mataafa Storm. Written as something of a long newspaper story, with numerous photos. Well worth reading by anyone who is interested in maritime history of the Inland Seas.
For some reason, the huge freighters of the Great Lakes are very interesting to me, especially the steam powered ones from the late 1800's and early 1900's. Never have been on board one of these, although I have been on river barges. Life on a river barge goes at a slow pace: The boats are so loaded, they do not go fast, and being on one is not very exciting. The Great Lakes freighters must be just the same, except they often operate out of sight with land.
Being on a steam freighter would have been much like working in a factory, just with the added risk of drowning. When one of these huge boats got into trouble from a storm, it had to be (a) a really fierce weather event and (b) terrifying. This book brought out all of this.
For some reason, the huge freighters of the Great Lakes are very interesting to me, especially the steam powered ones from the late 1800's and early 1900's. Never have been on board one of these, although I have been on river barges. Life on a river barge goes at a slow pace: The boats are so loaded, they do not go fast, and being on one is not very exciting. The Great Lakes freighters must be just the same, except they often operate out of sight with land.
Being on a steam freighter would have been much like working in a factory, just with the added risk of drowning. When one of these huge boats got into trouble from a storm, it had to be (a) a really fierce weather event and (b) terrifying. This book brought out all of this.
June 28, 2014
As a person who has visited Duluth, and the harbor channel, dozens of times in recent years, it was captivating to read Brown's book about the incredible storm and disaster that afflicted not only Duluth, but much of the Lake Superior coastline, on the fateful days of November 27-29 of 1905 - the worst maritime disaster in U.S. history. The author has done meticulous research on boat personnel, as well as other key players in the trade industry of that era, to pull together a captivating story. And again, as a person who has visited the sites discussed many times, it added a whole new perspective to my understanding of these places and the history that goes with them. A wonderful read that I would recommend to any person who loves history, the Great Lakes in general, Lake Superior in particular, and the city of Duluth MN.
November 7, 2014
For some reason, books set in Minnesota aren't that easy to find. I picked this one up because of the setting - Lake Superior. Author Curt Brown does an amazing job of researching and telling about the great storm of 1905, one which claimed the lives of dozens of sailors, accounted for the loss of 7 ships and damaged many more. This book had me riveted from start to finish. When Brown described the storm - the wind, the icy water, the blinding snow and freezing temperatures - I could totally relate, I live only a few hundred miles from Lake Superior. What these poor men went through really tugged at my heart, and I found myself shivering in sympathy.
This was a fantastic book - reminiscent of David Laskin's The Children's Blizzard. Highly recommend!
This was a fantastic book - reminiscent of David Laskin's The Children's Blizzard. Highly recommend!
November 3, 2015
Apparently I am on a shipwreck theme this fall and continued with this book about the 1905 November storm on Lake Superior. Very well researched and solidly written the book weaves details of Great Lakes shipping practices with the story of the storm. Through it readers learn about the events through some of the key players -- Mataafa captain Dick Humble, US Steel's Harry Coulby (I wanted him to be a bigger villain, but history is history), meteorologist Herbert Willard Richardson (if only they listened more to him perhaps) and my favorite reporter Mary McFadden. I can't even imagine being so close to shore, seeing bonfires as the Mataafa had, but being unable to reach safety. Never take the Great Lakes for granted.
March 21, 2011
This was a fantastic overview of the Mataafa storm (named after one of the wrecks involved in this massive storm). I grew up knowing some of the stories (mainly of the Madeira, which my father told me the story of after I dove the wreck for the first time), and the legacy of the storm: Split Rock Lighthouse.
Brown is an excellent historian, no detail escapes his eagle eye, but the book is truly a personal story, of people doing their best in a very bad situation. I loved this book, I could not put it down.
Brown is an excellent historian, no detail escapes his eagle eye, but the book is truly a personal story, of people doing their best in a very bad situation. I loved this book, I could not put it down.
March 20, 2011
This was a great book, especially for people that are from Duluth, MN. There was history about Duluth that I was previously unaware of, and the history of shipping on Lake Superior was really interesting. Again, because my great-grandfather was a captain on the Great Lakes, this book was very meaningful and provided insight into what life would have been like for my great-grandfather and grandmother. I would highly recommend this book to anyone that has watched a ship come through the Duluth harbor.
October 30, 2013
I enjoyed this book because I live by Lake Michigan's East shore on the Michigan coast. I enjoy the lore and tales of the Great Lakes. It was an interesting read of an historical disaster Thanksgiving weekend 1905. Several parallel stories as various ships floundered in Lake Superior, each with its own tales of survival, heroism, suffering and death.
November 5, 2015
Takes what could be a boring piece of weather history a century ago, and makes you feel like you're living it in person. In one scene, sailors are fighting for their lives on ships in ice water just yards away from shore while helpless people watch. Curt Brown's history writing is compelling. He weaves in elements of economic and social history to give a big picture.
January 3, 2011
Essential reading for anyone who loves Duluth, the North Shore, or shipwrecks. Interesting and disappointing to learn the real reason for the construction of Split Rock Lighthouse. (Think corporate greed, not saving lives.)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews