“Historian Gene Eric Salecker, in his epic book, The Destruction of the Steamboat Sultana, brings to life the tragic story of the repatriated Union soldiers and crew of the ill-fated steamboat Sultana. Mr. Salecker accomplishes this through his exhaustive research of never before published letters, journals, and newspaper interviews of the survivors. The author’s keen eye for detail and artistic prose allows the reader to feel as if they are witnessing first hand our Nation’s worst maritime disaster. The Destruction of the Steamboat Sultana is destined to become an instant classic in the annals of maritime literature.” —Cdr. Dennis J. Ringle, USN (Ret.), author of Life in Mr. Lincoln's Navy

“Gene Salecker in Destruction of the Steamboat Sultana has created a historical masterpiece! Few authors have spent over forty years researching a story like Gene did. His book is the definitive work on the Sultana disaster. It is a must read for anyone who has any interest in history. ” —Jerry O. Potter, author of The Sultana Tragedy

“A highly readable and comprehensive study of the worst maritime disaster in American history. Through his exhausting investigation of primary sources from prisoners, passengers, crew members, and eyewitnesses, as well as his impressive knowledge of steamboats, Gene Eric Salecker seems to raise the Sultana from the dark waters of the Mississippi River and from history.” —Angela M. Riotto, assistant professor, U.S. Army Command and General Staff College

“In Destruction of the Steamboat Sultana, Gene Eric Salecker offers a comprehensive and … compelling account of the disaster…. The book is a must-read for Civil War buffs and those wanting to learn new details about the Sultana…. A solid introduction to an oft-overlooked piece of history.” —Associated Press

“The end result of three decades of intensive primary research, thorough investigation, and deep reflection, Gene Salecker's Destruction of the Steamboat Sultana surpasses all previous coverage of the topic and is clearly poised to become the new standard history of the tragic event and everything that surrounded it. One hesitates to declare any history book to be the last word on its subject, but suffice it to say that this rigorously comprehensive treatment of the Sultana is destined to become an enduring classic among Civil War history studies and waterborne disaster chronicles.” —Civil War Books and Authors

“Gene Eric Salecker did an outstanding job framing the tragedy, exploring the effect, and looking for the cause. The book is the result of twenty-five years of continued research. Many people survived the disaster including civilian passengers, paroled prisoners, crew members and rescuers. There were many myths that grew up around this maritime disaster. Reading the book takes us through those last fateful moments of the disaster and the tragic aftermath. We highly recommend this 528-page book to those of you who have an interest in this topic.” —Virtual Mirage

“If you want an in-depth analysis that relies chiefly on firsthand evidence, Destruction of the Steamboat Sultana is the volume to read. You will come away knowing what happened, but, more importantly, remember the people, the sacrifices they made, and their determination to survive.” —Pirates and Privateers

“The author has done an extraordinary amount of research in primary sources to provide this very detailed account of the Sultana disaster . . . . It is hard to imagine that a more complete history of the tragedy will ever be written, and the book is highly recommended.“ —Journal of America’s Military Past

“ Salecker’s new book is now the definitive work on the subject and should remain so for years to come.”— Civil War Navy—The Magazine