Exploring Polar Frontiers
A Historical Encyclopedia [2 volumes]
Published on 11. December 2003
Book
978-1-57607-422-0 (ISBN)
Description
Covers the entire history of Arctic and Antarctic exploration, from the voyage of Pytheas ca. 325 B.C. to the present, in one convenient, comprehensive reference resource.
Exploring Polar Frontiers: A Historical Encyclopedia is the only reference work that provides a comprehensive history of polar exploration from the ancient period through the present day. The author is a noted polar scholar and offers dramatic accounts of all major explorers and their expeditions, together with separate exploration histories for specific islands, regions, and uncharted waters. He presents a wealth of fascinating information under a variety of subject entries including methods of transport, myths, achievements, and record-breaking activities.
By approaching polar exploration biographically, geographically, and topically, Mills reveals a number of intriguing connections between the various explorers, their patrons and times, and the process of discovery in all areas of the polar regions. Furthermore, he provides the reader with a clear understanding of the intellectual climate as well as the dominant social, economic, and political forces surrounding each expedition. Readers will learn why the journeys were undertaken, not just where, when, and how.
Exploring Polar Frontiers: A Historical Encyclopedia is the only reference work that provides a comprehensive history of polar exploration from the ancient period through the present day. The author is a noted polar scholar and offers dramatic accounts of all major explorers and their expeditions, together with separate exploration histories for specific islands, regions, and uncharted waters. He presents a wealth of fascinating information under a variety of subject entries including methods of transport, myths, achievements, and record-breaking activities.
By approaching polar exploration biographically, geographically, and topically, Mills reveals a number of intriguing connections between the various explorers, their patrons and times, and the process of discovery in all areas of the polar regions. Furthermore, he provides the reader with a clear understanding of the intellectual climate as well as the dominant social, economic, and political forces surrounding each expedition. Readers will learn why the journeys were undertaken, not just where, when, and how.
Reviews / Votes
[T]he work is wonderfully done, with each essay telling a fascinating story of Arctic and Antarctic exploration and discovery . . . The articles are very well-written and the work is an attractive two-volume set. . . . Most general reference sections will want to acquire this set. Geology, geography, and polar research special collections will find this a handy compendium. * American Reference Books Annual * [P]rovides over 500 well researched and fact filled articles that will appeal to anyone interested in polar exploration. Appropriate for reference where there is a strong demand, this is one of those sets that will also be welcomed in circulating collections, especially in larger libraries. In either case, both public and academic libraries will want to consider it for their shelves. * Against the Grain * This is an excellent and thorough resource for anyone interested in the history of polar exploration. It is highly recommended for academic and public libraries where there is interest in the Arctic and Antarctic. * Booklist * Mills . . . has produced a masterful encyclopedia covering Arctic and Antarctic exploration, 335 BCE to 2001. . . . Highly recommended. Academic, public, and high school libraries. * Choice * This is an impressive work which describes many little-known expeditions and aspects of polar exploration. * The Northern Mariner *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
Target group
Professional and scholarly
College/higher education
Interest Age: From 7 to 17 years
Illustrations
164 bw illus
Weight
2438 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-57607-422-0 (9781576074220)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
12/2003
1st Edition
ABC-CLIO
€347.99
Available for download
Person
William James Mills was librarian and keeper of collections at the world's largest polar library, located at the Scott Polar Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England.