Antarctica is the coldest and driest continent on Earth – a place for adventure and a key area for global science. Research conducted there has received increasing international attention due to concerns over destruction of the ozone layer and the problem of global warming and melting ice shelves. This dramatically illustrated new book brings together an international group of leading Antarctic scientists to explain why the Antarctic is so central to understanding the history and potential fate of our planet. It introduces the beauty of the world's greatest wilderness, its remarkable attributes and the global importance of the international science done there. Spanning topics from marine biology to space science this book is an accessible overview for anyone interested in the Antarctic and its science and governance. It provides a valuable summary for those involved in polar management and is an inspiration for the next generation of Antarctic researchers.

‘From ‘why is Antarctica so dry?’ to the current state of the Antarctic Treaty, and everything conceivable in-between (history, geology, oceanography, biology, climate-change and much more), this is the book if you want to understand the significance of Antarctica for the future of Planet Earth. Well illustrated, and well written - I felt completely up to date when I finished reading it.’

Sir John Lawton CBE FRS - Former Chair, Royal Commission on Environment Pollution

‘This is an excellent review of key multidisciplinary collaborative research and geopolitics in Antarctica involving more than 30 countries, addressing global issues in climate, oceans, biodiversity, solar system, tourism and more. Of importance to contemporary society, it is a valued compendium.’

Alan K. Cooper - Stanford University, and recipient of the second SCAR medal for International Scientific Coordination

‘Antarctica is a conundrum. It is distant, yet it will shape our children's future; it is mysterious, yet a treasure trove for science; it is the focus of calculated geopolitical interest, yet the exemplar of ‘world governance’. In this well-presented and readable book, the world's leading experts on Antarctic science showcase why the uninhabited seventh continent is central to the present and future of human interests and wellbeing.’

Professor Chris Rapley CBE - University College London; former Director of the British Antarctic Survey and former President of SCAR

'Nicely presented … quality colour illustrations … anyone with a serious interest in Antarctica will find this book worthwhile.'

Source: Open University Geological Society Journal

'Science in Antarctica is an international endeavor, and that is also true of this book … The book is lavishly illustrated with color photos, maps, and graphs … Recommended. All levels/libraries.'

W. L. Cressler, III Source: Choice

'… breathtakingly beautiful photographs … a broad and fascinating taste of what the continent and surrounding ocean is like, why they constitute such a fertile venue for scientific discovery, and what it's like to work there.'

Source: Antarctic Science

'… a timely addition to the literature on Antarctica … The illustrations are by and large excellent … This volume belongs on the bookshelves of researchers who wish to learn more about Antarctica outside their own disciplines, the lay public interested in the continent as a whole, non-governmental organizations, and the management and support staff for the various national programs. I highly recommend this book.'

David H. Elliot Source: Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research

'… a handsomely produced volume, filled with a large number of excellent-quality colour photographs and figures, which can just as easily be in a high school or public library as in a university professor’s research collection … the writing is clear and simple, and accessible to newcomers, students, as well as seasoned scientists. The overriding message throughout much of the writing is that Antarctica is critical to our understanding of global environmental change … I recommend you buy a copy and convince your library to do the same. This book would also make a welcome gift … fills an important niche.'

John P. Smol Source: Polar Research

'There is a lot of great information here and I must admit that I am now more of a believer in climate change than I was before I started reading this book. It’s scary, but unless we understand the problem, we can never find the solution. If you truly want to gain an understanding of what is happening and why, I would strongly encourage you to read this book.'

Geoffrey Carpentier Source: The Canadian Field-Naturalist