Martin, writer and historian, provides an illustrated history of Antarctica from its prehistory and geography to its early modern and contemporary presence in literature, politics, and science, and elucidates the varied experiences of humanity with the continent. Antarctica experience takes on a deeply personal, spiritual tone: icecaps become metaphors, birds such as snow petrels become symbols of hope and contact, the trip becomes a metaphysical journey and profound experiences emerge in the stories and narratives. Both broad and detailed, the work provides a useful lens through which to view the development of contemporary science, politics and environmental action in the context of this important region.