A very interesting story about the laying of trans-Atlantic cables first for telegraphic and later for telephone use.

Arthur Clarke has a unique ability to make a rather dry subject into an great read. I especially liked the first half of the book when science advancement was due to the genius of individual scientists rather than the group efforts of modern days. I was surprised to learn how mathematicians were so important in the development of the cables.

The book is entertaining with a conversational discussion of every aspect from inventor to stories of the trials and tribulation the implementation of the technology. The last 50 or so pages seem dull to me as there was less drama and his emphasis on the "modern" vacuum tube technology techniques and manufacture seem a bit amusing at times. But then this was the birth of electronics as we now know it and in 1958 when this was written it was rocket science.

Fascinating informative read with excellent illustrations. ( )

Very interesting read about the history of ocean telegraph and telephone cables. ( )