The Submarine Book

Book excerpt: Here is a concise, readable, and fully-illustrated account of how the modern submarine fleets came to be, from the very first underwater vessel that crossed the Thames in 1620, to the ultra-computerized nuclear submarine that functions as the strategic linchpin for most of today's advanced navies. Including a detailed portrait of life aboard a modern submarine, this fascinating book will appeal to any readers of naval or military history, and especially to the legions of submarine enthusiasts. This new edition of The Submarine Book is updated with a new chapter that speaks to the post-Cold-War environment of the Russian navy and the tragic loss of the Russian submarine Kursk.