The world encyclopedia of submarines : an illustrated reference guide to underwater vessels of the world through history, from Nautilus and Hunley to modern nuclear-powered submarines

From Aristotle's description of a submersible chamber and Alexander the Great's experiments with an underwater capsule, mankind has long pursued the dream of travel beneath the waves.

This fully illustrated book traces that dream to the present day and beyond, beginning with illustrations of the earliest attempts to travel underwater to the latest incredible machines under construction for service in the 21st century, and the future possibility of unmanned craft permanently roaming the seas.

Split into two sections, the book begins with a detailed history of the submarine and charts a century of submarine development, a period that saw global production for two World Wars and, latterly, the threat posed by the Cold War arms race.

The section concludes with an overview of modern nuclear-powered vessels, which are capable of circumnavigating the world 40 times without having to refuel, and may carry in a single boat more explosive power than all the bombs dropped during World War II.

A country-by-country guide to over 100 submarines from around the world provides an in-depth look at the amazing inventiveness and genius of the submarine builders. Specification panels for each submarine detail each vessel's country of origin, length, displacement, speed, armament, propulsion and complement.

Together, both sections combine to present an inspiring record of courage and achievement.

Illustrated with over 500 historical and modern photographs showing submarines in action, as well as a selection of colour artworks showing vessels' main features, this authoritative volume provides both enthusiasts and historians with key, up-to-date information about the world's submarines, and is an essential reference for everyone interested in naval history.