This is the definitive account of the rise, fall, and extinction of steam passenger transportation on Lake Michigan from its origin in the late 1840s to the demise of the last steamers in 1970. "This book is nicely produced by Stanford University Press, with good paper, sturdy binding and clear, easy to read type. . . . This is a scholarly book, reflecting countless hours of research, careful compilation and writing. The text, in tone and content, is thoughtful and serious, reflecting the author's career in economics as well as his lifetime fascination with these steamships. It is an insightful book that goes far beyond simple description and presernts an understanding of the rise and fall of the passenger steamers. For anyone with an interest in passenger steamers in general or in transportation around the Great Lakes and the major cities including Chicago and Milwaukee, this book is essential reading. This is an excellent book and an outstanding reference."