The Late, Great Lakes is a powerful indictment of man's carelessness, ignorance, and apathy toward the Great Lakes. With the longest continuous coastline in the United States, they hold one-fifth of the world's freshwater supply. Author William Ashworth presents a compelling history of the Great Lakes, from their formation in the Ice Age, to their "discovery" by Samuel de Champlian in 1615, and, finally, to their impending death in our time. Ashworth systematically deals with the wild life that once flourished in the region-beaver, salmon, whitefish, and trout-and describes the threatening elements which have displaced them-the predatory sea lamprey, the alewives, toxic waste, and volatile solids.

The historical significance of the Great Lakes region stretches from thousands of years ago to the present day. Home to factories, important historical landmarks, and miles of coastline, the Great Lakes region is steeped in the past, but looking ahead to the future. Readers follow the growth of the Great Lakes, beginning with early battles to settle and control the region. Sidebars add to the main content's discussion of significant events, while readers travel through the area's past with the help of photographs and historical images. Colorful maps of the region show readers where history happened and introduce the region's major rivers, states, and landforms.