This lavishly illustrated encyclopedia begins with the primitive boats of the 18th and 19th centuries, covers the submarines of both World Wars and goes on to the nuclear submarines of today. Naval artist Tony Gibbons has provided illustrations for many of the major "landmarks" for designs from 1776 through to 2003.

"An examination of the origin, history, development, and impact of the submarine and related underwater exploration and transport technology"--Provided by publisher.

Presents a history of the submarine, discusses the different ways they are used, and recounts true-life adventures, in a book with fold out pages.

The author, a naval historian, reveals the critical elements that determined the war at sea.

Supplies photographs and data on the classes, displacement, dimensions, weaponry, speeds, and special features of twentieth-century American, British, German, French, Japanese, Russian, and Italian submarines