Submarines: books - history, types and construction

Submarines : World War I to the Present

The emergence of the submarine in 1914 as a major strategic weapon was swift and unexpected. On 5 September 1914, a British light cruiser, HMS Pathfinder, was sunk by the German submarine U-21, becoming the first victim of a free-fired torpedo. The basis of naval warfare had been changed forever.

This is a highly illustrated guide to all the main classes of submarines to be used in naval warfare from the beginning of World War I to the present day. Divided by era, campaign and country, the book includes sections on submarine forces in 1914, technical developments during the 1930s, the Atlantic convoy war during World War II, Soviet submarine development during the Cold War, the introduction of nuclear-powered submarines, and the latest ICBM vessels.
Special emphasis is given to the U-boats of World War II, with chapters arranged by flotilla.

All the main types are included, from the World War I-era German U-1 class and British F-class, through the Type VII U-boats and US Gato class of World War II, and coming up-to-date with the latest missile submarines, such as HMS Astute, USS Virginia, the Russian Yasen class, the Chinese Type 094 (Jin) class.

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The World's Greatest Submarines : An Illustrated History

In 1776, American Patriots attempted to destroy the British flagship Eagle using a man-operated semi-submersible, the Turtle, in New York harbor. The attack failed, but the idea stuck.
Almost 90 years later, the CSS Hunley successfully attacked the Federal sloop USS Housatonic by ramming into it with a 59-kilogram (130-pound) spar torpedo.
The Housatonic became the first ship in naval history to be sunk by a submarine - and so submarine warfare was born.

The World's Greatest Submarines features 52 of the most significant submarines built, from the German U-9 - which sank three British cruisers in quick succession on 22 September 1914 - through the USS Ray and huge Japanese I-400 class of World War II, to the great nuclear-powered submarines of the Cold War, such as the USS Los Angeles, Soviet Oscar class and HMS Resolution.

Also included are the bronze-hulled Gustave Zede of 1893; the 'undersea cruiser' Surcouf, which carried two 203mm (8 inch) guns on its deck; the highly successful Type VII U-boats deployed by the German Kriegsmarine against Allied shipping during World War II; and the latest attack and ballistic missile submarines, such as HMS Astute, USS Virginia, the Israeli Dolphin class, the Chinese Type 094, the INS Arihant and the Russian Yasen class.

Each entry includes a brief description of the submarine's development and history, a colour profile view or cutaway, key features and specifications.

Packed with more than 200 artworks and photographs, The World's Greatest Submarines is a colourful guide for military and naval history enthusiasts.

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The Illustrated World Guide to Submarines

An encyclopedia of underwater vessels throughout history, from the Nautilus and Hunley to the nuclear-powered submarines of today. It charts a century of submarine development, from the earliest attempts to travel beneath the waves, two World Wars and the Cold War, through to the incredible machines planned for construction in the 21st century.

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Histoire des sous-marins, des origines à nos jours (4e édition)

This book traces the technical developments in the various construction countries and the evolution of military strategies that led to the submersible becoming the power stake that it represents for all the States that possess it.
Written by two specialists, this work allows us to understand the role of submarines from their origins to the present day. Its very rich iconography includes many unpublished documents from major international collections.
The History of Submarines will appeal to both the general public attracted by a little-known contemporary subject and the naval history enthusiast in search of precise and abundantly illustrated information.

This fourth edition is completely revised, updated and richly illustrated (more than 650 images, including 230 new ones). It traces the technical developments of submarines in the different constructor countries and the evolution of military strategies that have led this submersible platform to transform history since the dawn of the 20th century.

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Sous-marins militaires

Discover the submarines that have made history, from the 18th century to today. Fifty-two submarines are put under the microscope here, including the semi-submersible Turtle from 1775, the French submarine cruiser Surcouf from 1929 which was equipped with two 203 mm guns, the formidable German U-boat Type VII which decimated Allied convoys during the Second World War, not to mention the latest generation submarines, packed with technology, the USS Virginia and the Russian Yasen class of submarines.

Each submarine is meticulously described, the history of its development is supplemented by a cutaway, highlighting its characteristics.

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