Frank E. Kirby was a huge figure in the design of early Great Lakes passenger ships, bulk carriers, and ice-breaking railroad ferries in the late 1800s. His accomplishments have been, for the most part, overlooked. This book is a wonderful account of his accomplishments and of his part in shaping the early shipbuilding industry of Detroit. Robert B. Campbell, author of Classic Ships of the Great Lakes A long overdue biography of one of the most influential figures in vessel design. A must-read for all aficionados of Great Lakes shipping history. Mark Peter Sprang, archivist, Historical Collections of the Great Lakes, Bowling Green State University