Complete Idiot's Guide to Submarines (The Complete Idiot's Guide) [Paperback]

Michael DiMercurio (Author), Michael Benson (Author)

Book Description

Series: The Complete Idiot's Guide | Publication Date: February 4, 2003

Providing a detailed look at modern submarines and an exhaustively researched history, this book will be a comprehensive look into the world of underwater boats.

An extensive look at submarines in battle and an inside look at future submarines is also included.

The technology discussed will be as cutting-edge as it gets-co-author Michael DeMercurio is well-known in the world of submarines for his novels such as Threat Vector and Venus Sub Zero.

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Alpha (February 4, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0028644719
• ISBN-13: 978-0028644714
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,110,773 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

43 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Candy for Submariners, February 18, 2003

By 

Ron Martini (Sheridan, WY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Complete Idiot's Guide to Submarines (The Complete Idiot's Guide) (Paperback)

I read this one in 4 nights. Chocked full of stuff I had forgotten from 40 years ago. The verbiage is excellent and if that isn't good enough the authors throw boxes with meanings of other terms right on the page and a Glossary in the back of some 20 pages. Also throughout the book are boxes with humorous insertions by the authors (Mike's Corner), Beneath the Surface boxes which are insights or additional information, Secrets of the Deep boxes with unexpected facts and the above mentioned Subtalk box which helps with the terminology.

I was shocked to see the detail that is included about the nuclear plant. For you ex-submarine "nukes" out there, I am talking about Tave, Green Band, Pressurizer pressure and other readings and capacities. The explanations of reactor operations is really a lesson in Pressurized Water Reactors. An example is the detailed explanation of the procedures and language used when the CO sneaks back and scrams the reactor.

Other system descriptions that I've never seen before include a lot on the Sonar systems, Weapons, Radio and Periscope systems. Even the Garbage Ejector is explained as is the Hovering System, Interior Communications, Atmosphere Contol and many other of the ships control features, procedures and devices.

Emergency procedures are covered in depth and that includes all the "reactor" plant problems and steam leaks. Perhaps the reactor theory and emergencies are covered in more detail than most will have some difficulty with, I found it candy because I have been through the training and assisted in reactor operatons for 4 years.

Creature comforts was the only chapter that could have been expanded. The movies, games, library, exercise equipment, CDs, DVDs, all night card games, email home, and those much desired family-grams from home. Also, eating and cooking were gone over a little too quickly.

But this book has just shut the door on Clancy's "Submarine." No comparison. This is "THE" book to read to help you explain newer submarines to civilians who may be asking more than the usual type of "where are windows" type questions.

From the author's jocular use of terms like "sonar girls", "S... Pump", "Nukes" to calling the Electricians the smartest in the entire crew, I found the book a pleasure and a welcome read in the wonderful world of the Silent Service.

Other interesting features include a history of submarining of some 51 pages, interesting stories about Admiral Rickover and the authors feelings and remembrances while he was a rider.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars As close as you'll get without joining the Navy, January 21, 2004

By 

Thomas J. Dougherty (Ayer, Ma. USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Complete Idiot's Guide to Submarines (The Complete Idiot's Guide) (Paperback)

I know,you're not an idiot, so the title puts you off. My advice, though, is to swallow your pride and get this book! This is the ultimate in publicly available technical information on modern US submarines. In addition to a bit of sub history and a tour through the boat, there are extremely detailed chapters on weapons systems, sensors, and two incredible chapters on nuclear propulsion, with such detailed sub-headings as control rods, end of life cores, moderators, ship service turbogenerator, main condenser, main seawater system, thrust bearing, shaft seals and a whole lot more. He has additional detailed chapters on reactor startup, getting underway, emergencies, submarine missile systems, and a day in the life of the crew underway. As an example, in the reactor startup chapter he describes what the crew would do, and then, in considerable detail, what the effect is on the reactor. A look ahead at newer submarine classes such as Seawolf and Virginia SSNs is also included. This book includes an extensive glossary, bibliography and index. DiMercurio is a graduate of the Naval Academy and MIT, and was an officer on board the Sturgeon class SSN, USS Hammerhead. He went right up to the edge on classified material to bring readers a real appreciation of the intricate technology and skilled people involved in modern submarine operations. This book way outclasses the Clancy book on modern submarines, and is a real bargain at under $20!

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "The Book" on modern nuclear submarines, February 8, 2003

By 

Ken Johnson (Oakham, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Complete Idiot's Guide to Submarines (The Complete Idiot's Guide) (Paperback)

This is an outstanding look at the inner workings of a modern nuclear submarine. It is well researched and Michael DiMercurio has made a very complex subject easy to understand. As he says in his introduction, "I hope that someday this becomes required reading at U. S. Navy Submarine School." I agree. As a former U. S. Navy officer and qualified submariner myself I found it a fascinating read. In my opinion, this is Michael's best work yet by far and deserves a "well done".