The Deadly Deep

The Definitive History of Submarine Warfare

By: Iain Ballantyne

Narrated by: Paul Ansdell

Length: 28 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

This fascinating and comprehensive account reveals how an initially ineffectual underwater boat - originally derided and loathed in equal measure - evolved into the most powerful and terrifying vessel ever invented - with enough destructive power to end all life on Earth.

Iain Ballantyne considers the key episodes of submarine warfare and vividly describes the stories of brave individuals who have risked their lives under the sea, often with fatal consequences. His analysis of underwater conflict begins with Archimedes discovering the principle of buoyancy. This clandestine narrative then moves through the centuries and focuses on prolific characters with deadly motives, including David Bushnell, an American who devised the first combat submarine with the idea of attacking the British in 1775.

Today, nuclear-powered submarines are among the most complex, costly ships in existence. Armed with nuclear weapons, they have the ability to destroy millions of lives: They are the most powerful warships ever created. At the heart of this thrilling narrative lurks danger and power as we discover warfare's murkiest secrets.

©2018 Iain Ballantyne (P)2019 Dreamscape Media, LLC

great account of total history of submarines

not as exciting as I expected. but overall a great education on submarines and the history there of

the complete history of submarines is amazing

loved the story and how it was layer out..easy to listen to and understand

Excellent overview of submarine warfare

Very well written and quite interesting. it is British focused but still provides good information about other nation's submarine history. Most books I've read before about submarine history mostly covers the United States, Russia, and Germany, So it was actually a very nice to find out a lot more information about Great Britain's submarines.

Fantastically Detailed

A fabulously detailed history with great stories based on primary sources. The battle for the atlsntic in WW I was unknown to me beyond a few bits and until I read this book.

Narrator needs a pronunciation guide

Overall the book focusses heavily on the 2 world wars and pre ww1 history of the submarine. post ww2, there is very little discussed. Based on other books I've read on the subject the author could have had another 5 hours at least of content on the cold war. Generally skipped over US Submarine exploits during WW2, with the exception of some highlights, but missed significant accounts found in other books.

The narrator was brilliant for most of the book, however he kept pronouncing "Leyte Gulf" as "Late Gulf". It was horribly distracting. Pronounced the city of Mobile, Alabama like "Mobile Home".

Lots of interesting detail

This book had a lot of detail that was definitely new to me. The book kept my interest throughout and I'd recommend it highly if you're a fan of submarine books.

Compelling history, biography and technology.

I thought I knew the history of submarines and underwater warfare. This account is remarkable, both in length but also in depth and insight. You will walk away trying to invent a time machine, to return to those times when both men and boats were made of steel. The narrator is superb. I really cannot find a flaw, and personally like the length of the program, which is filled with detail. Felt like I was there, appreciating both submarine and anti-submarine warfare. Also, I had no idea WWI submarines were so advanced and had penetrated so many theaters.

Not the same old tales

The content is excellent with stories unfamiliar. The reader mispronounced many words, particularly place names.

A detailed, little dry, history of submariners

overall good book, however dry. I would have liked to understand 2019 submarine technology better. However I know way more that I did before

a little slow but through history of submarines.

Had to laugh at pronunciation of the American Civil War battles early in the book. I had no clue what he was talking about until I listened to it 2 or 3 times.