Submarine - Design and Development (0851772994) ships

Submarine - Design and Development (0851772994)

by Norman Friedman (Author). Hardcover, 192 pages. Pre-owned in  excellent condition.
Although Norman Friedman's books tend to cater to the hardcore naval enthusiast, "Submarine Design and Development" is pretty readable and concise. The book offers an interesting insight into the evolution of submarine design, technology, and tactics in the 20th century, detailed enough to keep the interest of the serious submarine buff, but not so overwhelming as to deter beginners. The first half focuses on the problems facing the submarine designer, an overview of submarine warfare in the two world wars, and the rapid growth of submarine design and technology during the Cold War. The second half is the real meat of the book and focuses on submarine propulsion, sonar and communications systems, underwater maneuvering, and modern anti-submarine warfare.
This book focuses mainly on Western submarine design and is a little dated by virtue of being published in 1984. It's still worth buying if you're into the subject, if only for the detailed cutaway diagrams of contemporary submarines, and clear explanations of basic concepts in technology and design.