In the Waves: My Quest to Solve the Mystery of a Civil War Submarine
- ISBN-10
- 1524744174
- ISBN-13
- 9781524744175
- Category
- History
- Pages
- 368
- Language
- English
- Published
- 2021-04-06
- Publisher
- Penguin
- Author
- Rachel Lance
Description
One of The Most Fascinating Books WIRED Read in 2020 One part science book, one part historical narrative, one part memoir . . . harrowing and inspiring."--The Wall Street Journal How a determined scientist cracked the case of the first successful--and disastrous--submarine attack On the night of February 17, 1864, the tiny Confederate submarine HL Hunley made its way toward the USS Housatonic just outside Charleston harbor. Within a matter of hours, the Union ship's stern was blown open in a spray of wood planks. The explosion sank the ship, killing many of its crew. And the submarine, the first ever to be successful in combat, disappeared without a trace. For 131 years the eight-man crew of the HL Hunley lay in their watery graves, undiscovered. When finally raised, the narrow metal vessel revealed a puzzling sight. There was no indication the blast had breached the hull, and all eight men were still seated at their stations--frozen in time after more than a century. Why did it sink? Why did the men die? Archaeologists and conservationists have been studying the boat and the remains for years, and now one woman has the answers. In the Waves is much more than just a military perspective or a technical account. It's also the story of Rachel Lance's single-minded obsession spanning three years, the story of the extreme highs and lows in her quest to find all the puzzle pieces of the Hunley. Balancing a gripping historical tale and original research with a personal story of professional and private obstacles, In the Waves is an enthralling look at a unique part of the Civil War and the lengths one scientist will go to uncover its secrets.
Get the book
Other editions
Similar books
-
To Rule the Waves: How Control of the World's Oceans Shapes the Fate of the Superpowers
By Bruce JonesAlong the way, the book illustrates how global commerce works, that we are amidst a global naval arms race, and why the oceans are so crucial to America’s standing going forward.
-
Mop Rides the Waves of Life: A Story of Mindfulness and Surfing
By Jaimal YogisCelebrated San Francisco surfer-journalist-dad Jaimal Yogis teaches 4-8 year olds timeless beach wisdom with the story of Mop, a sensitive and fun-loving kid who just wants to be in the ocean.
-
Beneath the Waves
By Lily MurrayCome along on a journey through the oceans of the world in this beautiful book with illustrations made entirely from hand-pressed plants.
-
Riding the Waves: A Life in Sound, Science, and Industry
By Leo BeranekThe life and work of Renaissance man Leo Beranek: scientist, professor, engineer, busisess leader, inventor, entrepreneur, musician, television executive, philanthropist, and author.
-
Sons of the Waves: The Common Seaman in the Heroic Age of Sail, 1740-1840
By Stephen TaylorNavy Records Society, 1976 Brown, Kevin: Poxed and Scurvied – The Story of Sickness and Health at Sea. Barnsley, 2011 Bundock, Michael: The Fortunes of Francis Barber – The True Story of the Jamaican Slave Who Became Samuel Johnson's ...
-
Clark Little: The Art of Waves
By Clark LittleThis collection features his most beloved pictures, as well as work that has never been published in book form, with Little's stories and insights throughout.
-
Ashes on the Waves
By Mary LindseyI loved this tragic, romantic story.” --Cate Tiernan, author of Sweep and Immortal Beloved
-
Jump in the Waves: A Memoir
By Jacqueline PiatigorskyThe author, born into the famous Rothschild family, describes her lonely childhood and her attempts to earn respect for her accomplishments instead of her name
-
Sam and the Waves
By Annette SmithDesigned to be used by children in their first six months of school PM Starters One and Two
-
Beyond the Waves
By Elizabeth MarekFrom a compelling new voice in women’s fiction comes a haunting, beautifully written novel about a wife and mother moving beyond loss and rediscovering love.