<< 1 >>
Rating: 
Summary: TALES FOR THE FIREPLACE WITH A GLASS OF RUM
Review: An extensive bibliography attests to the meticulous research behind these true tales of man vs. the sea. The Great Lakes, vital arteries of commerce for centuries--and beguilingly beautiful--are also the graves of countless stalwart ships and the brave mariners who sailed them. This collection takes the reader out upon the smooth waters on a balmy afternoon--and then plunges him into an Autumn's icy maelstrom that quickens the heart and moistens the palms. You'll feel the deck heaving beneath you, the sting of ice water pelting your face, the terror of the next wave rearing up with a lion's roar. You'll find yourself scrambling from the engine room--up to your knees in 40-degree water--and then skidding across an icy deck and being vaulted into the angry deep. You'll watch your magnificent ship break in two like a cracker beneath the Lake's wrath . . . and then you'll have to row for miles with blue-numb hands. These are tales of heroism, bad judgment, bad luck, and miracles. And you'll understand the majesty and the ferocity of the Great Lakes--and the men who sail them.
Rating:
Summary: TALES FOR THE FIREPLACE WITH A GLASS OF RUM
Review: An extensive bibliography attests to the meticulous research behind these true tales of man vs. the sea. The Great Lakes, vital arteries of commerce for centuries--and beguilingly beautiful--are also the graves of countless stalwart ships and the brave mariners who sailed them. This collection takes the reader out upon the smooth waters on a balmy afternoon--and then plunges him into an Autumn's icy maelstrom that quickens the heart and moistens the palms. You'll feel the deck heaving beneath you, the sting of ice water pelting your face, the terror of the next wave rearing up with a lion's roar. You'll find yourself scrambling from the engine room--up to your knees in 40-degree water--and then skidding across an icy deck and being vaulted into the angry deep. You'll watch your magnificent ship break in two like a cracker beneath the Lake's wrath . . . and then you'll have to row for miles with blue-numb hands. These are tales of heroism, bad judgment, bad luck, and miracles. And you'll understand the majesty and the ferocity of the Great Lakes--and the men who sail them.
Rating: 
Summary: Lesser-known tales of the Great Lakes
Review: I believe this book was written partly to counter-act the romantic story-telling of Great Lakes authors like Dwight Boyer ("True Tales of the Great Lakes," "Ghost Ships of the Great Lakes," etc.) and William Ratigan ("Great Lakes Shipwrecks & Survivals")."Ghost Ships, Gales & Forgotten Tales" is a very well-researched, workman-like book that casts new light on (among other things) the invention and demise of Whalebacks, the Lake Michigan Storm of October, 1880 (also known as the "Alpena Storm" because of the sinking of the big passenger sidewheeler, 'Alpena'), and the chaos caused by the smash-up of the Poe Lock by the 'Isaac L. Ellwood' in November, 1909. My favorite story concerns the " Alpena Storm" and the loss of the 'Trader.' The author really did his research on the little steamer 'Trader,' which actually foundered a couple of days before the great storm of 1880. Her eleven crewmen were rescued by the schooner 'Guide' and the 'Trader' itself was towed to Grand Haven. Two days later, the "Alpena Storm" thundered down onto Lake Michigan and "full many a midnight ship with all its shrieking crew" sank beneath its suddenly murderous waves---including the 'Trader,' which somehow broke away from her mooring in Grand Haven. However at the time of her sinking she had no crew, even though the 'loss' of her eleven men was reported in all of the newspapers: "To Captain Brown [the 'Trader's master], the whole matter of the 'Trader' was probably an on-going source of aggravation for months to come. He found himself having to explain to his peers, each time that they met, how it was that he had not perished on Lake Michigan. Yet acquaintances that he had not seen in years greeted the good captain as if just returned from the great beyond." The author has included photographs and drawings of many of the ships featured in his stories, and also maps of where some of them disappeared below the waves. For the most part, Oleszewski stays away from the oft-told tales like the tragedy of the 'Eastland,' or the sinking of the 'Lady Elgin.' When he does touch upon a well-known event, he focuses on one of the 'little guys'---an old barge, tugboat, or schooner on the Lake long past its retirement date---that got caught in the same storm as the big freighters. According to its back cover, "Ghost Ships, Gales & Forgotten Tales" casts new light on some of the obscure Lake events that "have been under-reported, or forgotten altogether."
Rating: 
Summary: Great book!
Review: I believe this book was written partly to counter-act the romantic story-telling of Great Lakes authors like Dwight Boyer ("True Tales of the Great Lakes," "Ghost Ships of the Great Lakes," etc.) and William Ratigan ("Great Lakes Shipwrecks & Survivals"). "Ghost Ships, Gales & Forgotten Tales" is a very well-researched, workman-like book that casts new light on (among other things) the invention and demise of Whalebacks, the Lake Michigan Storm of October, 1880 (also known as the "Alpena Storm" because of the sinking of the big passenger sidewheeler, 'Alpena'), and the chaos caused by the smash-up of the Poe Lock by the 'Isaac L. Ellwood' in November, 1909. My favorite story concerns the " Alpena Storm" and the loss of the 'Trader.' The author really did his research on the little steamer 'Trader,' which actually foundered a couple of days before the great storm of 1880. Her eleven crewmen were rescued by the schooner 'Guide' and the 'Trader' itself was towed to Grand Haven. Two days later, the "Alpena Storm" thundered down onto Lake Michigan and "full many a midnight ship with all its shrieking crew" sank beneath its suddenly murderous waves---including the 'Trader,' which somehow broke away from her mooring in Grand Haven. However at the time of her sinking she had no crew, even though the 'loss' of her eleven men was reported in all of the newspapers: "To Captain Brown [the 'Trader's master], the whole matter of the 'Trader' was probably an on-going source of aggravation for months to come. He found himself having to explain to his peers, each time that they met, how it was that he had not perished on Lake Michigan. Yet acquaintances that he had not seen in years greeted the good captain as if just returned from the great beyond." The author has included photographs and drawings of many of the ships featured in his stories, and also maps of where some of them disappeared below the waves. For the most part, Oleszewski stays away from the oft-told tales like the tragedy of the 'Eastland,' or the sinking of the 'Lady Elgin.' When he does touch upon a well-known event, he focuses on one of the 'little guys'---an old barge, tugboat, or schooner on the Lake long past its retirement date---that got caught in the same storm as the big freighters. According to its back cover, "Ghost Ships, Gales & Forgotten Tales" casts new light on some of the obscure Lake events that "have been under-reported, or forgotten altogether."
Rating:
Summary: Great book!
Review: Wes has become probably the best writer the Lakes region has ever seen. His books are well researched, with no hyperbole, manufactured conversations or guess-work. Very meticulous in detail. Any of his books are a must-have for any serious Great Lakes reader.
Rating:
Summary: ghost ships,gales & forgotten tales
Review: Wes Oleszewski brings us right no the deck of the ships & to the lakes we love. The information is profound dates/names/places. The diligent effort to bring the history to life makes enjoyable reading.
Rating:
Summary: A "Great" Lake Historian
Review: Wes Oleszewski has become THE historian of Great Lakes adventures. His expert detail and research will take you back in time and put you on board many ill-fated "lakers." Anyone who has a remote interest into this subject, will not be disappointed. I especially liked the segment concerning the "whaleback" boats of Alexander McDougall. Refreshing in the spirit of Walter Havinghurst!
<< 1 >>
| 
