The Silent World

[Ron]

I found an original 1953 copy of The Silent World, and I have been reading it voraciously. What an amazing book about diving, life, and living in an occupied country. I know most of you have already read it, but speaking as a teacher of literature, it is such a simultaneously passionate and matter of fact book.

[Sea Explorer]

You should also read the follow-up, The Living Sea. -Ryan

[eskimo3883]

Hi,

The Silent World is incredible good read and in my top 5 dive books. You can almost hear Cousteau’s famous accent as you turn the pages.

I got the impression from reading The Silent World that the development of the regulator was done in secrecy from the German and Italians occupying France. There was a trio in the early war years of Cousteau, Talliez, and Dumas. I suggest you might read "To Hidden Depths" by Philippe Talliez (1954). You can get a $10 copy off Amazon. Talliez was Cousteau's close friend but also his superior in the Navy. Talliez was not as shy about mentioning who else was present during the early dives.

I also enjoyed "The Undersea Adventure" by Philippe Diole (1954). Diole was another early diver and his name is connected to many of Cousteau's books.