Bushnell's Submarine: The Best Kept Secret of the American Revolution

by Arthur S. Lefkowitz

This is the true story of how Yankee tinkerer, David Bushnell, built the world's first submarine in an attempt to sink the flagship of the British fleet--the HMS Eagle!

This is both the story of how the world's first submarine was built and how it was employed in the Continental Army's desperate attempt to hold on to New York in 1776.

We also read about the nearly forgotten genius, David Bushnell, whose submarine was as amazing a feat for the 18th century as space travel was for the 20th. The innovation of this one individual, along with the encouragement of such luminaries as Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and Benjamin Franklin, epitomized the ingenuity and potential of the new nation.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, American Revolution

144 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2006

Reviews

[CJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an interesting book about a piece of history that I knew nothing about! This is an in depth look - but not a lengthy one- about some amazing ingenuity during the Revolutionary War and the men who worked and created to advance the cause of the rebels with a singular vision. This was written for children and the content was great. I did have an issue with the way that the book was out together. Between the pages of the narrative, some double paged framed text would come up in the middle of a sentence of the narrative. That left me to finish the sentence on the following pages before turning back to the information in the framed text. That wasn't much of a problem for me but I think it might be for the audience for which this book is intended. There were some great illustrations, drawings, charts, and maps that added to the book.

[Evelyn Goldman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating information in the use of the submarine, infernals, maritime tactics... NYC 1776 & Phil 1778

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was almost funny how many times I turned to the Husband while reading this, exclaiming, "this book is so crazy!" And really what isn't crazy about a man in a tiny wooden pod, using hands and feet to essentially pedal underwater and sneak up on an enemy, at which point, still operating levers and examining instruments by GLOWING FUNGUS, the man hand drills a bit into the bottom of a ship. The bit is attached by rope to a keg of gunpowder, which is detonated by a clock. What could possibly go wrong here?

I love history.

My only complaint is there wasn't a great list of sources. There were some references in the text, but no compilation at the end.

[Terri Floccare · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. It's written for children about a little known wonder of the American Revolution. The book tells about David Bushnell and the submarine he invented at his own expense. The book is technical enough to give a true sense of his invention without being overwhelming. It also introduces young reader to primary sources. Bushnell also invented underwater mines. He attempted to send " mines" down the Delaware River to Philadelphia. The event inspired the poem The Battle of the Kegs -- a poem I was aware of, but didn't know the history behind.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting little book on a topic that caught our attention while studying the American Revolution. My only reservation is with the accuracy of the material - I caught at least one possible inaccuracy. However, the author seems to have gotten the bigger details correct. He also includes many interesting sidebars that put Bushnell's invention in the greater context of the war and the times.

[Samuel Valentino · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best part about this book is how much in detail the submarine is described. I feel like I could build one after reading this (provided I was an expert woodworker and metalworker, that is - although it does inspire me to try and make a working model). The only downside is a lack of footnotes or even a list of sources - it would have been nice to follow this up. But otherwise, an informative book.

[Dpalange44 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really cool account of a relatively unknown piece of history. I always thought the first submarine was created and used by the Confederate forces during the Civil War. I love the primary sources in here. Truly wonderful research!

[Loralie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did you know that we had a submarine during the American Revolution? Learn all about the American Turtle in this great book.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was pretty awesome and was a fascinating story about the submarine.

[Miriam · Rating 3 out of 5]

non-fiction/ history