Publisher Description
This fascinating and comprehensive account reveals how an initially ineffectual underwater boat?originally derided and loathed in equal measure?evolved into the most powerful and terrifying vessel ever invented?with enough destructive power to end all life on Earth. Iain Ballantyne considers the key episodes of submarine warfare and vividly describes the stories of brave individuals who have risked their lives under the sea, often with fatal consequences. His analysis of underwater conflict begins with Archimedes discovering the Principle of Buoyancy. This clandestine narrative then moves through the centuries and focuses on prolific characters with deadly motives, including David Bushnell, an American who devised the first combat submarine with the idea of attacking the British in 1775. Today, nuclear-powered submarines are among the most complex, costly ships in existence. Armed with nuclear weapons, they have the ability to destroy millions of lives: they are the most powerful warships ever created. At the heart of this thrilling narrative lurks danger and power as we discover warfare's murkiest secrets.
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About Iain Ballantyne
Iain Ballantyne is a journalist and much published author of nonfiction works about naval warfare. He has spent time at sea in most types of warship, from nuclear-powered submarines and aircraft carriers, to destroyers and frigates, in assignments from the Arctic to minefields in poisoned waters off war-torn Kuwait and a foray into the Bosnian war zone. In 2010, his book Killing the Bismarck won a Mountbatten Maritime Award Certificate of Merit for best literary contribution. His work in the maritime arena was saluted with a Special Recognition Award from the British Maritime Charitable Foundation for his contribution to raising maritime awareness. He is the founding editor of the global naval news magazine Warships IFR and the Guide to the Royal Navy.