The name kind of says it all, don’t you think? Jane's Submarines: War Beneath the Waves from 1776 to the Present Day (Present day being 2003) is certainly a great book for the fan of submarines and their history. The Jane’s group certainly owns the warship information category today as it has since 1898. It is hard to imagine what would exist in its place had the bible of naval information not come into existence.

Taking us from man’s first hazardous ventures below the waves to the modern cousins of those early boats, Janes Submarines is a perfect quick reference guide for anyone writing about submarine warfare. The book is laid out two ways; first of all chronologically, and then, as the weapon develops into different types, by purpose.

As you would expect, the information is accurate and the accompanying photos of almost all the submarine classes that have existed are both clear and up to date.

If I had to come up with a downside, it would be the lack of a hard cover. Although it certainly earns its place on the shelf alongside my copies of Jane’s Fighting Ships, it just does not look as good.

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