FROM THE TURTLE TO THE NAUTILUS

The story of submarine warfare opens during the American Revolution with David Bushnell's remarkable invention -- the Turtle. How each subsequent vessel superseded the last is explained against a background of history. The partial success of the torpedo boat, H. L. Henley, which went down with its own victims during the Civil War, the development of the U- submarines of World War I added fame to the entire field. Between the two world wars, many hazards were eliminated as the development of rescue equipment took precedence. Submarine warfare reached a pinnacle of efficiency in World War II, but it was the ballistic missile fleet that seemed to make a prophet of Jules Verne. The George Washington, the Patrick Henry, the Skipjack and the Nautilus are a far cry from the and the major aspects of their operation bring Edwin Hoyt's knowledgeable account up to date. Charles Geer's fine drawings add the dramatic touch to a book the seafaring youth will appreciate.