The greatest undersea adventure of the 20th century. The Ice Diaries tells the incredible true story of Captain William R. Anderson and his crew’s harrowing top-secret mission aboard the USS Nautilus, the world’s first nuclear-powered submarine. Bristling with newly classified, never-before-published information and photos from the captain’s personal collection, The Ice Diaries takes readers on a … The Ice Diaries takes readers on a dangerous journey beneath the vast, unexplored Arctic ice cap during the height of the Cold War.
“Captain Anderson and the crew of the USS Nautilus exemplified daring and boldness in taking their boat beneath the Arctic ice to the North Pole. This expertly told story captures the drama, danger, and importance of that monumental achievement.” –Capt. Stanley D. M. Carpenter, Professor of Strategy and Policy, United States Naval War College
“Few maritime exploits in history have so startled the world as the silent, secret transpolar voyage of the U.S. Navy’s nuclear submarine Nautilus, and none since the age of Columbus and Vasco da Gama has opened, in one bold stroke, so vast and forbidding an area of the seas.” –Paul O’Neil, Life magazine
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As a past submariner it was interesting that it, the Nautilus SS771, was built before my USS Growler SSG 577 conventional submarine was. It was making history as I entered the US Navy in 1958. I found it believable and realistic for the most part and mildly questioned a few things that may be only differences between boats.
The first hand record of the submarine Nautilus’ history-making 1958 journey across the Arctic Ocean and under the North Pole. I was 5 years old when this happened. It was a big deal but I never had heard the details, and the fact that the submarine made two failed attempts before achieving their goal. Well-documented history, inspiring story
The writing style is not as engaging as it could be, but the information is first-hand from the captain who sailed the sub beneath the ice. It was nice to have a font-row seat for this historic event and the background that led up to it.
Anecdotal Historical book. Great information about the Nuclear Submarine program and the sailors who man them. Fills in the other 90% of what the country didn’t know about the first attempts to reach the North Pole from under the ice.
Amazing story of the start of our nuclear submarine fleet and the Navy men involved. Particularly focused on the exploration beneath the north polar ice pack. Anderson is methodical, entertaining and descriptive in his writings.
As an old sub sailor I found this book very informative and interesting. Although I knew a little of the story I didn’t know the “details”. It is hard to imagine the first trip under the Pole and what they went through. I made nine patrols on a Polaris sub and it was nothing like their adventures.
Great history lesson as well as making the story personal. Very interesting
Growing up in Groton, CT I thought of submarines the same way I thought of cars – they were ubiquitous. I saw them when I swam at the beach. I saw them when I ate the picnic lunches my mom prepared. I heard my Dad talk about subs when he came home from working at Electric Boat (EB). I toured the Nautilus years ago. But this book brought home the …
Always wanted to know more about the famed boat Nautilus.
Having been an engineer on submarines for over 20 years and associated with the officers and crews of submarines…..it’s pretty true to life. especially the “hot racking”……….
Interesting story about the first nuclear submarine and the effort it took to go under the North Pole.
I read “Nautilus 90 North” when it first came out decades ago. This book is full of the events that lead up to the successful trip under the polar ice. Very interesting read!
Excellent book…learned a lot , thoroughly enjoyed the mission.
Not as technical as I expected
A few maps would have been helpful.
This book was a fantastic journey through a period in history that made up my early childhood.
Great I stood on the deck of the sub when it was in dry dock at the sub base in New England the ard 5 after she returned from the cruise
Absolutely fascinating to follow along with the first possible exploration of the previously unknown water world beneath the northern arctic pack ice!
Very well written. Revealed facts about the Nautilus and it’s captain and crew I never imagined
Very interesting and daring trip. Very good story.