Schooner Passage presents an intriguing look back into the cultural, sociological and economic contexts in which the Lake Michigan schooner trade existed. The history of lake schooners and their role in the development of commerce on Lake Michigan has received relatively little attention, making this book an important contribution to the Great Lakes maritime history genre. Drawing from primary archival and secondary research materials, Dr. Karamanski presents factual accounts from schooner captains, crews and passengers to cast light on the circumstances and conditions that characterized the schooner era on Lake Michigan. The book begins with the pioneering days of the late 1700s and describes Lake Michigan's wind-borne commerce well into the 20th century.Hardcore researchers seeking a comprehensive work with vessel demographics, detailed wreck accounts and obscure vessel photos may be somewhat disappointed, as the author has consciously avoided dwelling on minutae and concentrating on disasters. Instead, and perhaps more important, Karamanski strives to present the larger picture of the forces that gave rise to, fueled and ended the era of schooners on Lake Michigan, as well as describing the daily lives and activities of those involved in the schooner trade. Researchers will however, find Karamanski's extensive reference and bibliography section to be of great interest.
Schooner Passage is an excellent book for any reader wishing to acquaint themselves with the history of sailing ships and 19th century commerce on the Great Lakes. The book presents enough detail to be of interest to the serious Great Lakes maritime historian, while giving a high enough overview to be accessible by the casual enthusiast.
The only disappointment is the relatively high retail price of this relatively short (262 page) hardcover book.
Brendon Baillod - Great Lakes Shipwreck Research Foundation - Milwaukee, WI
