Submarines of World War Two (English and Italian Edition) - Hardcover

Bagnasco, Erminio

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0870219626 ISBN 13: 9780870219627

Publisher: Naval Institute Press, 1978

Synopsis

Describes and pictures all classes and types of submarines used by combatant nations during the war, compiling information on the construction, dimensions, speed, range, and performance record of each vessel

About this title

Language Notes:

Text: English, Italian (translation)

Review:

There is a certain fascination for the submarine. When it first appeared it was thought to be so "un-British" it should be banned internationally - just like, say, poisonous gas warfare is banned today. Nevertheless, the submarine, in all it's many forms, went on to be a most potent weapon and was last used in a combat situation during the Falklands War of 1982. The countries; France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, USA and USSR are set out in alphabetical order and are then followed by a chapter headed "The lesser powers." Within each of these main headings all the submarines used by that country are fully described with many being illustrated both by photograph and diagram. The vast majority of the photographs are simply excellent. Why the author should include the occasional out-of-focus image is, as always, beyond me, especially when such an image is used as a double-page spread. That, however, is my only criticism of what is an otherwise excellent product. This book is now becoming hard to find and, may I suggest, you grab one while you still can. You will not be disappointed and, like me, you might just learn a great deal from the content. --By Ned Middleton HALL OF FAME TOP 50 REVIEWER

Without doubt one of the finest books on the subject, particularly with regard to facts and figures, without spending years in research libraries! A few inconsistencies and inaccuracies, but, at the price, it's all you'll need to know about WW2 submarines, without any nationalist or 'gung ho' slant. I'd have liked to have seen a little more about tactics and the 'personnel' side of the equation and, having been arund for 25 years it could do with an update or expansion into these areas. As it is, it's a 'must have' publication for all serious naval historians. --By chalcraft@ukonline.co.uk

Submarines of World War Two is excellent overvue of pretty much every submarine type of the war. There is a large amount of information crammed into this medium sized soft bound book. Be prepared to read in good lighting however; as the print is quite small and some of the section plans will have you looking for a magnifying glass. Mr. Bagnasco covers Eighteen different navies as well as some neutral forces. Each section includes a wealth of statistics and production data on each class of submarine (and its variants), as well as line drawings and photographs (all B&W). Major types are given additional space and many extras such as wartime conning tower modifications and section drawings are covered. If you need to know about every WWII sub ever built; and don't have room in your shelf (or budget) for a four volume set, this is the book for you. --By Eric N. Bates

About this edition

• Publisher: Naval Institute Press
• Publication date: 1978
• ISBN 10: 0870219626
• ISBN 13: 9780870219627
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 256