Sub Tales

Main Themes and Topics

Sub Tales by Frank Hood offers an engaging dive into the intriguing annals of American submarine history, presenting a collection of stand-alone stories that span across different eras. The book is divided into thematic sections, with stories ranging from historical tragedies to lighter, amusing anecdotes. Some key themes include harrowing survival instances like George Rocek's World War II escape, remarkable rescues performed by U.S. submarines, and the extraordinary lives of noteworthy individuals like Admiral Chester Nimitz and Captain John Wesley Harvey. The book also explores numerous fascinating events, including the filming of the movie "Operation Petticoat" on a pink submarine and unique occurrences such as a baseball game at the North Pole. All these stories are meticulously researched, providing both historical depth and entertaining narratives.

Writing Style and Tone

The Hoods bring their expertise and passion to the forefront through their captivating and accessible writing style. Each story is crafted with a balance of technical precision and engaging narrative, enhanced by firsthand accounts from submariners themselves. This approach not only gifts readers with a panoramic view of submarine life but also imbues the tales with authenticity. The tone varies according to the stories—somber during tragic retellings and more lighthearted during amusing anecdotes—effectively allowing readers to connect with the diverse experiences of submarine service members.

Brief Summary

Sub Tales is a collection of 35 carefully curated stories from the American submarine history archives. The book covers a myriad of events, from poignant disasters like the sinking of the USS F-4 in 1915 to thrilling and bizarre tales such as the USS Scamp's rescue of a Filipino sailor. It presents vivid narratives of personal bravery, innovative adaptation, and the everyday life of submariners—sometimes underscored by humor, at other times by solemnity. With over 130 captioned photographs and diverse narratives, each chapter can be savored as a standalone story, providing a broad spectrum of insights into a world beneath the waves. The book closes with curated lists from submariners, showcasing their unique perspectives on their experiences aboard these underwater vessels.