The maritime history of Gloucester and the North Shore is jam-packed with dramatic tales of the great port–epic stories of sailors lost at sea, fishermen returning with overflowing holds, and ships meeting their fate on New England’s rocky shore. Many historians focus on the great and grand; men and boats alike. Not so with John Lester Sutherland, who, with this retrospective, has revealed the fascinating history of the numerous work vessels that facilitated the rise of America’s leading fishing port. Without the tugboats, freight vessels and passenger ferries, and their skilled operators, Sutherland points out, the port could not have functioned at its exemplary level. Digging into his deep hold of local research, personal and family memories and illustrations, Let has brought to life stories of hard-working vessels that are just as compelling as the tall tales of life on the sea. Complete with over 100 archival images.