Customer Reviews

The History of American Deep Submersible Operations

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The History of American Deep Submersible Operations-1775-1995 By Will Forman Paperback 320 pages. Best Publishing Company P.O. Box 30100,Flagstaff AZ 86003-0100 ISBN: 0941332721 Reviewed by Richard Jones

For those of us striving to build a collection of covers to document the evolution of manned deep submersible operations, Will Forman's book is an essential reference. This is a 'history' and Will Forman develops his story from the earliest attempts to operate in the seas to the present by addressing each of the major submersibles as they evolved. Each chapter is developed by describing the evolutionary advances of the submersible in relation to the technology of the time and the purpose of the vehicle. From the TURTLE of 1776, the submersibles include DEEP JEEP, ALVIN, ALUMINAUT, DEEPSTARS, Perry Submersibles, and DEEP QUEST. TRIESTE 2, DOLPHIN, SEA CLIFF, NR-1 the DSRVs AVALON and MYSTIC and many others are covered. As much as possible, the chronology moves us ever forward in levels of technological sophistication. However, the book does not get mired in technical detail, It is highly readable and Forman mixes technical aspects with the history and politics of the period along with the real story of the men who operate the submersibles.

Certainly, Will Forman's years working in the field of Deep Submersibles provides credibility to his story. Only through a working knowledge of the field; the numerous interviews with his contemporaries and the attention to detail could this work succeed. It is significant to note that many event dates and details were validated through documentation found in the pages of One Half Fathom newsletter edited by USCS member, Irene Fager.

In addition to the readable story line, the photos, charts and other illustrations are outstanding. For those with a need for greater detail, the 10-page Bibliography is extensive.

For the collector, a few hours with this book will start the mental wheels rolling as you start to look at focal points for a specific collection. A collection could focus, for instance, on the development of rescue submersibles spurred on by the loss of USS THRESHER. Another could focus on scientific aspects of undersea research. Military uses, civilian uses, a multitude of possibilities for building a collection come forth.

For anyone interested in the field of deep submergence operations, this book should become a key item in your library not only as a reference, but as a good historical read also.

A delightful cornicopia of American Deep Submersible Operations. A very practical, realistic collection of useful historic information regarding deep submersible operations. I have worked in the Deep Submergence field for 19 years and the accuracy of the information presented by Will Forman is top notch. Will is highly respected World Wide for his accomplishments in the Deep Submersible Community, and he has brought that credibility to this book. The History of American Deep Submersible Operations is a must have for anyone interested in Deep Submersible Operations.

EXTREMELY WELL WRITTEN AND EDITED. GREAT FORMAT AND STYLE. HAVING SERVED ON AND AROUND SEVERAL OF THE MENTIONED SUBMERSIBLES AND SUBMARINES I TRULY VALUE THIS BOOK AND ITS HISTORICAL ACCOUNTING OF EVENTS AND VEHICLES. MR. FORMAN IS OBVIOUSLY AN EXPERT IN THIS TECHNOLOGY, BRAVO!