Product Description
The geology, ecology and biology of the "continent for peace and science." This comprehensive, fully illustrated and reader-friendly book honors the International Polar Year (2007-08) with a spectacular range of information on Antarctica and the Antarctic Islands, the world's harshest environment. Antarctica features up-to-date material from an expert team of scientists, expeditioners and historians. Included are more than 600 photographs, illustrations and maps. Among the topics covered are: Prehistory of Antarctica Geology and geography Flora and fauna Climate and the nature of ice The Antarctic ozone hole The explorers Current scientific research Conservation issues The impact of global warming The Sub-Antarctic Islands. Detailed information is found on current issues of land, law and treaties, shipping, resource exploitation, and tourism. Also included are the Antarctic Treaty, a gazetteer and a bibliography. Front-page news reports cover the relative health of Antarctica. This authoritative book could not be timelier. (20090415)

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 5.0 based on 2 reviews)

Absolutely beautiful encyclopedic work, with stunning photography ! by R. Neil Scott (Murfreesboro, TN USA)

5 Stars
November 11, 2009
I couldn't help but notice this enormous, beautiful book on the "New Book" truck in our library -- 10-1/2 by 13-1/2 inches, and nearly two inches thick, with a captivatingly beautiful cover photograph, this massive book appears encyclopedic in both its narrative and photographic coverage of Antarctica. Twenty-four contributors are listed, nearly all of whom hold a Ph.D. Ranging from biologists, oceanographers, meteorologists, and engineering to travel writers and photographers, their specialties range from atmospheric physics, Antarctic law, sea ice and ice sheet science, Antarctic bio-tourism, molecular bacteria, biogeography, the influence of Southern ocean currents on the Earth's climate, Antarctic photography to commanding iceberg breakers and aircraft. The book is divided into six principal sections: "The End of the Earth"; "Antarctic Regions"; "Antarctic Wildlife"; "Antarctic Exploration"; "Antarctica Today"; and, "Resources." Each section is then subdivided into many more detailed subtopics; for example, for the section titled "Antarctic Wildlife," the reader will find extensive and profusely illustrated articles on "Plants and Invertebrates," further broken down into "Life in the Southern Ocean," Seals,""Eared Seals," "Fur Seals," Sea Lions, " "True Seals," "True Seal Species," and so forth. Thus, the volume is more of an "Encyclopedia of Antarctica" than simply just another nicely produced "coffee-table book." Highly recommended for public, school and college libraries as well as individuals with an interest in the ecology, geography, wildlife or exploration of Antarctica. R. Neil Scott Middle Tennessee State University

Vicarious Voyage by F. J. Masterman

5 Stars
February 16, 2009
In doing research for my fourth novel, I ordered this book to give me a visual 'feel' for the fifth largest continent on Earth. The photography is enthralling, the text accurate and incisive, the spirit unbeatable. I have never been to this 'alien' world on our own world, but found this book an inimitable introduction to Antarctica. I recommend the volume to anyone interested in the wondrous, vast diversity of environments on our planet, and in particular to the awesome reality of a place so different from the lives of most of us that it's almost a fantasy adventure to enter. A great encyclopedic addition to our knowledge of our own planet.

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