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. * 511 A-Z biographical, geographical, and subject entries on polar exploration such as dogs, man-hauling, Elephant Island, South Georgia, and major explorers such as Sir John Franklin, Fridtjof Nansen, and Richard Byrd * Extensive collection of photographs, many taken by expedition participants * Vivid illustrations, including woodcuts and drawings * 20 maps detailing Arctic and Antarctic regions * Chronology of expeditions beginning with the voyage of Pytheas in 325 B.C. through the present