First, despite its formidable size and price, this is a book that every public, high school, and university library along The Lakes ought to have on shelf. The size is so big because of the many maps, lithographs, and photographs populating this fascinating (I geek history and have access to Duluth, MKE, and CLE) and meticulously well researched tome. This book seems more a labor of appreciation than a Publish or Perish and is comfortably written so that non-scholars can dip their noses into it for fixed periods of time. This is resource material extraordinaire. The publisher's blurb is a good start.
I requested and received a free temporary copy on e-book and Adobe Digital Editions from Michigan State University Press via NetGalley. Thank you!

A great transportation history of the Great Lakes region. As someone who lives on the north shores of Lake Superior, this text provided fascinating insight into the local industries that fed this vital shipping lane. This text is particularly of interest to those who want to know the details of the vessels themselves. Stronger on the technical aspects than the labor history, this is still an interesting read.

Sail, Steam, and Diesel is wonderful. Its exhaustive on the subject of the trade on the Great Lakes but not exhausting. It reads well, even though it is full of just about everything you want to know about the trade and those who plied it. A wonderful resource and an enjoyable read for anyone with an interest in this subject. Let's face it, the subject is big and important, the Great Lakes are not call great because we just enjoy them. The heart and energy of a continent pouring forth and building so much with the materials moving on the Great Lakes, this book shows you in detail and in broad sweeps, everything there is to know. Well done Hirsimaki, a great book I highly recommend.