Reviews

“This sterling anthology is a treasure trove of Chicago’s maritime history. While other aspects of the Windy City’s past have been covered completely by historians—often repeatedly—the unrecognized fact that Chicago owes its very existence, and much of its fame, to ships and sailors emerges as the clear theme of this exceptional collection. These 33 eclectic, wide-ranging, and tightly edited accounts constitute a surprising wealth of writing on an exciting topic that has been largely overlooked or forgotten. This book is a welcomed Great Lakes gem!”

—Cris Kohl, Great Lakes historian and author

“From Lumber Hookers to the Hooligan Fleet mines a rich vein of Chicago history. It’s the story of how a muddy canoe portage used by French fur traders was transformed into a bustling seaport on the prairie, and it happened a thousand miles from the nearest ocean. For Lake Michigan boaters, this treasury of Chicago’s Maritime History is a poignant, personal reminder that those who sailed before us on our sweetwater ocean were not recreational boaters; they were part of a heritage that helped turn Chicago into the nation’s busiest transportation hub. And it all began on the water. For those who love maritime history, as well as Chicago history, this is a must read.”

—Steve Sanders, News Anchor, WGN-TV

For press kits and review copies for all Lake Claremont Press titles,

and for information on media interviews, bookstore/library programs, and other events,

contact Therese Newman at 312/226-8400 or therese@lakeclaremont.com.