From Aristotle's description of a submersible chamber and experiments with an underwater capsule by Alexander the Great, inventors have pursued the dream of undersea travel. This fully illustrated book follows that dream, starting with examples of the earliest attempts to travel beneath the waves through to the very latest vessels at sea today. Beginning with a detailed history of the submarine, the book charts the events of more than 120 years of development, a period that saw global production for two World Wars and the threat posed by the Cold War, where opposing superpowers jostled for supremacy through the awesome capabilities of their armaments. 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 which carry in a single boat more explosive power than all the bombs dropped during World War II combined. The second part of the book is a guide to over 150 submarines from around the world, providing an in-depth look at the sheer inventiveness and genius of the submarine builders. Specification panels for each submarine are included, detailing country of origin, length, displacement, speed, armaments, propulsion and complement. The book is illustrated with over 700 historical and modern photographs, and provides both enthusiasts and academics with key information about the world's submarines. It is an essential guide for anyone interested in naval history and warfare. An illustrated guide to over 150 submarines from around the world, including the Holland boats, Lusitania, Thetis, Torby, Seraph, Truculent, Thresher, Seawolf, Kursk and many more. Charts over a century of submarine development, from the earliest attempts to travel beneath the waves, two World Wars and the Cold War, through to the formidable machines in operation today. Specification boxes provide at-a-glance information about each submarine's country of origin, length, displacement, speed, armament, propulsion and complement. Features more than 700 historical and modern photographs illustrating each type of submarine, plus artworks of selected examples. Includes fascinating quotes from military leaders and a glossary explaining key naval terms and abbreviations.

John Parker has written more than 35 books, published in over 75 editions worldwide, including many acclaimed military and investigative projects, as well as numerous high-profile biographies. Some of his published titles include: The Silent Service: The Inside Story of the Royal Navy; Submarine Heroes; Royal Marine Commandos; Royal Navy Task Force; and Royal Air Force Strike Command. Francis Crosby has written extensively on military history and historic aviation and has acted as an historian and consultant for the film, media and publishing industry. His books include The World Encyclopedia of Bombers; The World Encyclopedia of Military Helicopters; The World Encyclopedia of Fighter Aircraft; and The World Encyclopedia of Naval Aircraft (all Lorenz Books); Images of War D-Day; and Images of War: The Luftwaffe in World War II (both Pen and Sword).