The Eternal Darkness: A Personal History of Deep-Sea Exploration

I had the privilege of listening to Dr. Ballard speak on some of his explorations. It was quite an honor because I remember when his team discovered the Titanic in 1985 and because of that discovery I have tried to keep up at least a popular know-how about science and technology. THE ETERNAL DARKNESS discusses some of the things Dr. Ballard spoke about when I heard him and some of the things I remember reading about when I was a kid.The book is basically a very brief history of deep-sea exploration that is divided into three parts. The first part deals with exploration up until the time of the submersible. There really isn't much about ancient exploration techniques because until the beginning of the 20th century, humankind really wasn't doing any deep-sea exploring. The book talks a lot about bathyscaphs and bathyspheres, things that I only vaguely remember from old Walt Disney cartoons.The second part of the book explores the discoveries made using submersibles. Ballard began his career near the beginning of the end of this age and it is in this section that he begins discussing many of his own personal voyages and discoveries, including those in the mountain ranges of the oceans.The third part of the book talks about the events in deep-sea exploring from about the early 1980s on with robotic vehicles doing most of the really deep work. In this part of the book, Ballard discusses other discoveries he was involved with including the Titanic.Personally, I found the book quite interesting. Ballard does seem to take a lot of credit for various discoveries and events, but he was actually there for the discoveries of those things or at least was a member of the team. This book probably isn't something that an expert in science would want to read (too easy), but it's great for the average Joe. If only all science books were as easy to read as this one.

This book is the BEST book for people who want to learn about the hydrothermal vents, the RMS Titanic, or the Bismark. It brings out the best in Robert D. Ballard and sea exploration. It has information on just about everything Robert D. Ballard has found. When I first read this book, I almost flipped over. The hydrothermal vents are very interesting and the RMS Titanic has a big part in this book also.

An amazing book which not only creates suspense and a sense of adventure but contains clear and cogent scientific explanations as well. Even the geology is clearly and interestingly described. This is a book for all ages, and should especially appeal to those with an interest in scientific discovery and the advancement of man's knowledge of the earth.

Geology,Biology, chemistry, the origin of life, real exploration: all of these elements make this an outstanding read. I read it from cover to cover in two daysand I normally take my time reading anything.