Most books on submarine history treat the early years - more than 300 years of invention and trial and frustration and growth - in a few paragraphs. In his careful reconstruction of events, Brayton Harris combines his extraordinary sense of humour with intensive research into original sources to present a compelling and far more complete history of the submarine, from conception to birth to maturity during World War I to the genesis of the mighty nuclear submarine. Shattering long-cherished myths and misunderstandings, Harris traces the development of the modern submarine. He covers the professional and political arrogance that delayed antisubmarine developments and examines post-war progress toward the truly awesome submarines of today. A fascinating exploration of the steps and stumbles during development, a rousing tribute to the heroes who fought and died, and a powerful study of the submarine's impact on America, The Navy Times Book of Submarines is an unparalleled source for understanding the great equalizer.