“I still believe nonfiction is the most important literature to come out of the second half of the 20th century.” -Tom Wolfe
As we reach the midpoint of National Book Month, it’s a great time to explore the exciting world of nonfiction. Despite its reputation for being dry or dense, nonfiction can be just as thrilling as fiction, with true stories that are sometimes stranger than any novel. One such story is the tale of the H.L. Hunley, the world’s first successful combat submarine.
On October 15, 1863, the Hunley sank during a test run, tragically killing its inventor, Horace Lawson Hunley, and seven crew members. Built from a cylindrical boiler and powered by a hand-crank propeller, the 40-foot submarine required calm seas for safe operation. After successful trials in Alabama, it was sent to South Carolina, where disaster struck. During a test, a crewman became entangled in the machinery, leading to the submarine diving with its hatch open—only two men survived.
Determined to restore confidence in his creation, Hunley himself took the submarine out for another test in Charleston Harbor, only for it to sink again, this time claiming his life and his crew. Yet, despite its grim history, the Hunley achieved a historic feat. In February 1864, a new crew took the submarine into battle, successfully sinking the U.S.S. Housatonic. However, the Hunley did not return from the mission, sinking for a final time.
The Hunley was rediscovered and raised in 2000, and is now on display in Charleston. If you’re fascinated by true stories like this, your library has plenty of nonfiction titles to offer through the MORE consortium. All free with your library card.
“Truth is stranger than fiction, but it’s because fiction is obliged to stick to possibilities; truth isn’t.” —Mark Twain