Author(s): Lawrence Paterson; Nico Sgarlato

Military

The Secret Projects of the German Kriegsmarine in World War II gives a comprehensive overview of advanced German naval building, and excitingly includes previously unseen, secret projects. The designs covered by the title are wide-ranging, from U-boats and hydrofoils, to submarines, explosive motorboats and even aircraft carriers.

Not simply presenting information on functioning prototypes, this book highlights a number of theoretical projects for hydrofoils, landing craft and heavy surface units, among many others, includingtechnical examinations of the 'Z-Plan' Kreigsmarine build up and the ill-fated Graf Zeppelin, which was abandoned halfway through the war.

It also features little-studied designs, like tracked amphibious vehicles equipped with breathing gear, as well as the Luftwaffe-designed Siebel ferries that saw considerable service on the Eastern front. All the information is extremely well-illustrated, being accompanied by detailed drawings, action-packed photographs and artist's impressions of the different crafts.