Product guide

Shadow Divers by Robert Kurson: Illustrated Edition, 432 Pages

Illustrated Edition Pages: Shadow Divers is Robert Kurson’s account of two American divers investigating the identity of a German U-boat discovered off New Jersey. It combines deep-wreck diving, World War II history and a prolonged mystery with the personal pressures the search placed on the divers.

At a glance

Follows John Chatterton and Richie Kohler as they try to identify a World War II German U-boat found off the New Jersey coast.
The search spans six years and is presented alongside the dangers and technical challenges of deep-wreck diving.
The account also covers the divers’ changing relationship and the personal consequences of their shared fixation.

Price

$23.50Save 35%

Reference price: ~~$36.00~~

Price checked: Nov 13, 2026

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Pros and cons

Pros

Brings together a specific historical mystery and first-person-oriented detail about the experience of deep wreck diving.
The story’s emotional and interpersonal dimension offers more than a strictly technical account of underwater exploration.
The illustrated edition is listed as 432 pages.

Technical specifications

9 specifications

Book details
Publisher	Random House Trade Paperbacks
Publication date	May 24 2005
Edition	Illustrated
Language	English
Print length	432 pages
ISBN-10	0375760989
ISBN-13	978-0375760983

Dimensions and installation
Weight listed	329 g
Dimensions	13.1 x 2.3 x 20.2 cm

What to know before buying

The listing describes an illustrated edition but does not specify the illustrations or their number. The supplied details identify a paperback publisher, but do not explicitly state the binding for the selected copy.

Who is it for?

A good fit for

Readers interested in World War II naval history and the identification of a lost submarine.
Readers who enjoy true adventure centred on diving, wreck exploration and a long-running historical investigation.
Readers seeking a narrative that includes the emotional and personal costs of an obsession.

Less suited to

Readers looking for a concise overview rather than a 432-page narrative.
Readers seeking a purely technical diving manual or a fictional adventure.

Customer reviews on Amazon

4.7 / 5 · 5,299 ratings

5 stars78%78%
4 stars18%18%
3 stars3%3%
2 stars1%1%
1 star0%0%

Customer feedback describes the book as engrossing and well written, with informative detail about diving and charting, an engaging story and attention to divers’ emotions and motivations. That reported combination may appeal to readers who want both adventure and personal context, while buyers seeking a concise or purely technical history may prefer a different format. Aggregate ratings are also strongly positive, though they do not explain individual readers’ reasons.

Positive themes

Readers describe the story as engaging and difficult to put down.
Feedback praises the writing and informative detail about diving and charting.
Readers also value its emotional focus on the divers’ motivations and obsession.

Frequently asked questions

What is Shadow Divers about?

It recounts divers John Chatterton and Richie Kohler’s effort to identify a German U-boat discovered off New Jersey and the risks and personal strain surrounding their investigation.

Is Shadow Divers fiction?

The listing presents it as a true account of the divers’ search and the historical mystery.

How long is this edition?

The supplied product details list a print length of 432 pages.

What language is the book in?

The listed language is English.