The story of the submarine began in ancient times when men conceived the idea of an underwater craft. Other crude experiments with this basic principle were performed by Fulton and other inventors until the submarine was put to use in the Civil War. But in general, these early contraptions were suicide weapons. Poor air supply and weak engines kept overall efficiency to a minimum. The story of the modern sub beginning with Holland's Argonaut Junior, and continuing with the subs of World Wars I and II indicate how improvements took hold. George Weller traces this development to the most recent nuclear-powered subs in a well-researched, readable account for interested boys. A Landmark Book.