From 1906 to 1914, the Empress of Ireland, one of the fastest and most elegant liners of the Edwardian era, graced the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Remembered primarily for sinking in only 14 minutes in the St. Lawrence River and for having a greater loss of passenger life than the Titanic, the Empress's true legacy is the significant role it played in the building of Canada.
During the ship's many crossings between Canada and England, it ferried royalty, politicians, scientists, authors, actors, captains of industry, and military servicemen aboard its decks, but most important, it carried more than 115,000 hopeful immigrants who left Europe to build new lives on Canadian soil.
Into the Mist is the story of the Empress of Ireland, of the many people who walked its decks, and how, in the early morning of May 29, 1914, it came to rest on the bottom of the St. Lawrence River.
"Anne Renaud has given a comprehensive, accessible account of this great ship and the significance of the role it played in transporting people and mail between England and Canada. The book would be an asset to students of Canadian 20th century history as well as a great book for browsing by any who are interested in Canadian history or major shipwrecks which have taken place in our country."
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"Not to be missed."
Seabreezes naval magazine (UK)
"This is an interesting story from Canadas past, skillfully told in a style and format that young readers will find easily accessible and that will broaden their understanding of a critical time in Canadas history."
Canadian Teacher magazine
"The many photographs and historical documents, such as advertisements and newspaper headlines, included in the book help the reader visualize the period, so that by the time the sinking is described, its tragedy seems all the more profound."
Montreal Review of Books
June 1, 2011