Antarctica: Secrets of the Southern Continent (Hardcover)

~ (Editor)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

*Starred Review* Ninety percent of the world’s ice is found in Antarctica. However, the southernmost continent, centered on the South Pole, is more than just ice, as this beautiful new book attests. McGonigal, a travel writer who has made more than 100 trips to the polar regions, coordinated the contributions of a team of writers and scientists to produce what is arguably the best single volume on Antarctica available today. This massive book covers all aspects of the continent, including ecology, geography, wildlife, and exploration. Opening with a description of the polar regions and the science behind why they are cold, and how the Arctic differs from the Antarctic, the text then delves into the geographic regions of Antarctica and their differing ecologies. The land, seas, and ice are home to one of the world’s most famous animals, the penguins, which, along with other wildlife, are the subjects of a long section of the book. Early exploration and the scientific experimentation of today round out the text. Antarctica is the only continent not claimed by a sovereign nation, no wars have ever been fought there, and since 1959 the Antarctic Treaty has expressed that the continent will be used for only peaceful purposes (the full text of the treaty appears in an appendix). Sumptuously illustrated with photos, maps, and paintings, this will be the go-to reference on Antarctica for years to come. A truly superb production. --Nancy Bent

Review

Arguably the best single volume on Antarctica available today....this will be the go-to reference on Antarctica for years to come. (Nancy Bent Booklist 200911)

In typical Firefly Books mode, this volume blazes with stunning photographs and maps.... McGonigal has produced a lovely, up-to-date.... Recommended. (L. S. Zipp, formerly, State University of New York at Geneseo Choice )

Selection, Best Reference Books, 2008 A rich resource about one of the least hospitable but most fascinating parts of the world. (Library Journal, Best Reference Books 2008 )

Beautifully presented, well written and thorough...filled with excellent color and historic photos as well as many maps, charts, and drawings. (Book News, Reference and Research Book News )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 400 pages
• Publisher: Firefly Books (October 10, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1554073987
• ISBN-13: 978-1554073986
• Product Dimensions: 13.2 x 10.3 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #246,665 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #4 in	Books > Outdoors & Nature > Ecosystems > Arctic
  #29 in	Books > Travel > Polar Regions > Arctic
  #31 in	Books > History > Australia & Oceania > Polar Regions

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Vicarious Voyage, February 15, 2009

By	F. J. Masterman "The PlanetCare Discoveries" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.