In the Waves: My Quest to Solve the Mystery of a Civil War Submarine

By Rachel Lance

Book Overview

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.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1524744158
• ISBN13: 9781524744151
• Release Date: April 2020
• Publisher: Dutton Books
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 1.34 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 6.0" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

The Intersection of Science and History

In the Waves is a narrative tale that weaves the author's story of using modern science to solve one of histories mysteries. Her adventures in seeking ways to find an answer to what happened to the men in the civil war submarine leads her to wild experiences, including partnering up with a guy who works for the ATF and a dangerous ride with a trunk of explosives. It's a fun yarn that takes readers back and forth along the timeline of U.S. history.