Paperback edition available for pick up on October 27, 2026. Hardcover available in-store while quantities last.
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
Smithsonian • 10 Best History Books of 2025
Bookpage • Best Books of 2025
An Independent Press Bestseller
"A work of spectral beauty destined to be a classic. Readers of Sebastian Junger’s The Perfect Storm, Erik Larsen’s Dead Wake, and Nathaniel Philbrick’s In the Heart of the Sea will love this deeply reported tale." —Hampton Sides, New York Times best-selling author of The Wide Wide Sea and In the Kingdom of Ice
“The Untold Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald’ has been told and retold by authors and bards. But never has it been told better than by Mr. Bacon in this colorful and compelling book.... Dead men tell no tales, but their loved ones do. Mr. Bacon tracked them down and listened.” —John J. Miller, Wall Street Journal
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.”
Smithsonian • 10 Best History Books of 2025
Bookpage • Best Books of 2025
An Independent Press Bestseller
"A work of spectral beauty destined to be a classic. Readers of Sebastian Junger’s The Perfect Storm, Erik Larsen’s Dead Wake, and Nathaniel Philbrick’s In the Heart of the Sea will love this deeply reported tale." —Hampton Sides, New York Times best-selling author of The Wide Wide Sea and In the Kingdom of Ice
“The Untold Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald’ has been told and retold by authors and bards. But never has it been told better than by Mr. Bacon in this colorful and compelling book.... Dead men tell no tales, but their loved ones do. Mr. Bacon tracked them down and listened.” —John J. Miller, Wall Street Journal
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, page-turning narrative history of America’s most-mourned maritime disaster.
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, page-turning narrative history of America’s most-mourned maritime disaster.
John U. Bacon has authored fourteen books on sports, business, health, and history, the last seven of which are critically acclaimed national bestsellers, including five New York Times bestsellers. He lives in Ann Arbor and northern Michigan with his wife and son.
Support Independent Bookstores
Your purchase helps build the Naples, FL literary community.
A Meaningful Gift for Everyone
Perfect for book lovers, supporters, and thoughtful givers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you located?
We are located above The Ridgway restaurant on the 2nd floor at 1300-3rd Street South, Suite 201.
What are your hours?
Beginning October 1st, our seasonal hours are Monday through Saturday 9am - 7pm and Sunday 10am - 5pm.
Is your store stroller and ADA accessible?
Yes! Our stroller and ADA entrance is accessible at the back of the building from the sidewalk and parking lot. Take the ramp up to the main floor and the elevator to the 2nd floor to access the store. We have an ADA accessible restroom in-store.
Where can I park near your store?
There is a parking lot immediately behind our building off 14th Ave between 2nd St S and 3rd St S, a parking lot across 13th Street from the store, and street parking available in the neighborhood.
Do you host events?
We have a robust event calendar including book and author talks, signings, writing workshops, children's story time and others. Please visit our Events page to see our upcoming offerings and sign up for our newsletter to be notified of event announcements.
Do you sell gift cards?
Yes! Gift cards are available for purchase in-store.
Can you help with our community event, author event, or B2B bulk order?
Yes, we support a variety of organizations around town who are hosting book talks or authors for speaking engagements and can facilitate book sales, signings, pre-order campaigns, book club suggestions and more. Please email events@booksonthird.com with your request and we will contact you.
I would like to work at your store, are you hiring?
We're thrilled you're interested in joining our book-loving team. Open positions will be posted on our website if anything becomes available.
Will you stock my book?
Congratulations on publishing your book! Please fill out the Local Author Book Submission form to tell us more about your book. We review these submissions and our book buyers will reach out within one month if they are interested in stocking your book on our shelves. Due to the high volume of submissions, we are not able to respond to every request. We regret that we are unable to respond to email, phone, or in-person inquiries. Thank you for understanding.
Our Story
Our Story
We're not just another bookstore - we're a curated literary experience. Founded in friendship, we've poured our enthusiasm for books into creating a unique haven for readers.
We believe in the power of personalized curation, hand-selecting titles that resonate with individual tastes and fostering unexpected discoveries. This commitment drives us to offer a diverse and thoughtfully chosen collection.
Beyond the books themselves, we've crafted a high-design space that invites you to linger, explore, and connect. From cozy reading nooks to striking architectural details, our shop is a feast for the senses.
Books on Third is a community hub. Expect the familiar comforts of author events and book clubs, but also prepare for creative gatherings that push the boundaries of what a bookstore can be. We're dedicated to fostering a love of reading and creating memorable experiences for every visitor.
Come explore our shelves, share your literary interests, and discover the magic of a bookstore built on friendship, curated taste, and a genuine love for the written word.
Shipping Details
Shipping Details
We offer $5 flat-rate shipping on all orders.
Orders are typically fulfilled within 3 to 5 business days. During peak periods, processing times may be longer.
Local pickup is available at our Naples storefront. Please bring your order number and a photo ID to retrieve your purchase.