Customer Reviews

The Submarine Book, Revised & Updated: An Illustrated History of the Attack Submarine

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Normally I research an author's background before buying a book on a technical subject such as submarines, but in this case since I was waiting for a plane and was desperate for something to read, I got this book. It initially appealed to me since it was profusely illustrated and even included mention of the "Kursk" incident, but when I saw the rather wide (almost double-) spacing between the lines, I was a little suspicious.

Admittedly, I've only read through the first dozen or so pages so far, but this one error I found really bothers me (especially for a "revised and updated" edition). The world's first nuclear-powered submarine, the USS Nautilus (SSN 571), was launched in 1954 (January 21st, to be exact), not 1962 as the book states.

In skimming the rest of the book, I came across a photograph of Adm. Hyman Rickover on page 115 "on the deck of a submarine headed out to sea." The submarine's number is clearly visible on the conning tower: 571. It's obviously the Nautilus; why the author would not identify this historic vessel as such or even by name instead of just labeling it as "a submarine" is beyond me. As I finish the rest of the book, I know I'm going to be uncomfortable with any more of this author's assertions.

I think any submarine enthusiast getting this book should use it as an exercise in checking for errors; anyone wanting to learn about submarines should go to a more credible source such as "Submarine Design and Development" by Norman Friedman of the U. S. Naval Institute, books by Norman Polmar also of USNI, or any edition of "Jane's Fighting Ships."

This book is perfect for those wishing they could live aboard a submarine. In shows an in-depth view of life aboard a sub, and includes a detailed history of the submarine, from peace-time exploration to the fierce battles of WWII. It describes how the U.S. Navy first refused the idea of a submarine, and how the dedicated researchers never gave up. This is an excellent book for submariner-hopefuls and will appeal to any readers of naval or military history.

This military coverage of the attack submarine provides a fine account of how modern sub fleets came to be an important part of the military; from the first sub in 1620 to computerized nuclear subs of today. Submarine Book appears in a new edition which provides a new chapter updating technology and history.

Now in a substantially revised and updated edition, Chuck Lawliss' The Submarine Book provides the reader with a superbly researched, written, and up to date history of the attack submarine. From the first underwater vessel to cross the Thames River in 1620 to the multi-billion-dollar modern submarines, this unique class of vessels has had a compelling and fascinating history. Lawliss also covers the contemporary problems creating by submarines, such as the 120 decommissioned Russian subs off the coast of Murmansk. If they sink, nuclear waste will ruin the environment. Highly recommended reading for military buffs, The Submarine Book offers a detailed portrait of life aboard today's subs in a concise, readable, and fully-illustrated account.