U-Boats: A Pictorial History

A collection of some 300 photos, posters, cartoons, operational maps and plans of submarines interspersed with a concise history of U-boats from the between-wars period to the end of World War II, Hoyt's book provides an intimate view of daily life in Admiral Donitz's relatively tiny but formidable command. The illustrations cover every conceivable aspect: ship launchings, training, patrols and raids, periscope shots of sinkings, rescue of Allied survivors, burials at sea, meetings with Japanese submariners, U-boat prisoners of war in Canada, triumphant returns to home port, visits from dignitaries (including Hitler) and shore liberties. The text includes a long excerpt from the log of Lt. Gunther Prien, recorded during his spectacular raid on British shipping at Scapa Flow. Many photos show young submariners in jaunty posesespecially poignant when one learns that the U-boat command ultimately suffered 85% casualties. 20,000 first printing; 20,000 ad/promo. (December 8)