Schooners

Wesley B. Turner is an associate professor of history at Brock
University and author of The War of 1812: The War That Both Sides Won.

Vanwell’s Great Lakes Album series recalls the “rich history and
colourful variety of vessels” that sailed the Great Lakes. These
volumes describe schooner-rigged sailing vessels and paddle-wheel
steamers that served on the Lakes, whether they were built there or
elsewhere. The authors are not merely knowledgeable about their
subjects; they are enthusiastic, and it shows in their writing.

They consider various aspects of each type of vessel, giving for each
one a few details of its history (e.g., where it was built, who operated
it, name changes, cargoes usually carried, and its ultimate fate). These
books are not technical guides, nor do they provide complete lists of
each type of vessel that served on the Lakes.

The great strength of these books lies in the illustrations. Taken from
paintings, advertisements, drawings, and above all photographs, they
show the great variety in size and type of vessels. They are seen with
passengers and freight; on the water; and in canal locks, harbors, and
shipyards. There are glimpses of interiors, of crews, and of cargoes
going aboard or ashore. Unfortunately, a few of the illustrations are
quite dark and, where the captions are printed on photographs, they are
difficult to read.

These books are splendid introductions to the subject and should
interest readers of all ages. The series definitely deserves to be
continued.