Exploring Polar Frontiers ― A Historical Encyclopedia

Clearly a labor of love, this two-volume set serves as both an introduction for new readers as well as a reference for those already immersed in the history, lore, personalities, and practicalities of polar adventure. After a section of about 20 maps, Mills, a librarian since 1989 at the Scott Polar Reseach Institute, U. of Cambridge, presents three types of entries: geographical, subject, and biographical/expeditionary. Arrangement is alphabetical, but there is a chronological listing of entries for those who prefer that approach; and an index by categories facilitates thematic reading on the various regions of the world or by subjects such as cartography and mapping, commercial concerns and exploration, expedition goals, historical conceptions of the polar regions, means of transport, indigenous peoples, and territorial claims. Each entry has plenty of cross-referencing and suggestions for further reading. B&w photos support the text. Annotation c2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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.