The romance of the great inland sea in 32 additional pages and 30 new photographs.

Praise for the first edition:

"Lavishly photographed and romance-packed ... a visually stunning collection of photos, facts and lore about the captains, crews and thousand-foot ships that plough the Great Lakes... It's a great book for anyone who appreciates the machinery that pulls the Rust Belt together." -- Cleveland Free Times

"Lake Boats belongs on the bookshelves of anyone who admires the strength and purpose of these magnificent ships." -- The Great Lakes Mariner

This large-format, full-color pictorial pays tribute to the many 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 fleets: Algoma Central, Upper Lakes, Lower Lakes, American Steamship, Canada Steamship Lines and others.

This expanded and revised edition updates the original text and includes 32 additional new pages and 30 new photographs, for a total of 193 extraordinary full-color images by the author and other fine transportation photographers. The 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.

A thorough, updated appendix cites exact identification, specifications and the history of each vessel included in the book.

Greg McDonnell is the author of 10 books on a wide range of transportation subjects and a professional photojournalist for railroad publications in the United States and Canada. He received the Railway and Locomotive Historical Society's Fred A. and Jane R. Stindt Photography Award for significant contribution to the photographic interpretation of North America's railroading history. He lives in Cambridge, Ontario.

Greg McDonnell's profile page

[review of previous edition:] With its glossy photographs and coffee table format, [Lake Boats] is a worthy tribute to lakers... The words show and efficiency and proud affection for the shipping industry.

The Blade (Toledo)

[review of previous edition:] McDonnell's insightful introduction provides a fascinating background to the pages of spectacular images featured throughout the book... Lake Boats belongs on the bookshelves of anyone who admires the strength and purpose of these magnificent ships.

The Great Lakes Mariner vol. 5 no 3 2007

[review of previous edition:] Lavishly photographed and romance-packed ... a visually stunning collection of photos, facts and lore about the captains, crews and thousand-foot ships that plough the Great Lakes... It's a great book for anyone who appreciates the machinery that pulls the Rust Belt together.

Cleveland Free Times

[review of previous edition:] From cargo ships to oil tankers, modern society tends to overlook how vital these gargantuan transports are to our lives. This coffee table book certainly helps to make amends for that neglect. It's filled with color photographs of the ships and the men who sail them. It tells their stories of hard work and the consstant struggle against Nature. It's the kind of book you can read from cover to cover, and then find yourself browsing through it again and again over the years.

Rainbo Electronic Reviews

[review of previous edition:] This full-color pictorial pays tribute to the historic ships at work on the Great Lakes... The color photos range from exterior panoramic images of the ships to detailed views of the mechanical workings. A thorough appendix cites exact identification, specifications and colorful history of each vessel.

Michigan History

[review of previous edition:] Fascinating for those consumed with a love of the Great Lakes freighters.

Muskoka Today

This second edition of the outstanding photo-essay of Lake Boats has been revised and expanded with another 30 fantastic images in full colour. The author, a retired firefighter is a freelance photographer of note -- Most Highly Recommended.

Fire Reviews UK

[review of previous edition:] With more than 170 extraordinary photographs by the author and others, this is a must see for every Great Lakes boat lover.

Inland Seas Journal

[review of previous edition:] An extraordinary range of images ... a must-have for anyone who has ever dreamed of sailing our freshwater lakes.

Kingston This Week

Subtitled 'The Enduring Vessels of the Great Lakes,' this second edition is pure unashamed ship 'eye-candy' from cover to cover... The standard of images throughout is outstanding with shots of whole vessels, numerous detail and interior shots plus a number of images of the captains and their crew. From atmospheric to artistic, the photos contained within 'Lake Boats' will not only inspire you to take on a new project but will also help you to create a very realistic model.

Model Boats Magazine

[review of previous edition:] Lake Boats pays homage to the boats and to the people who work aboard them with a collection of photos that stir our pride.

Thunder Bay Chronicle-Journal