Publisher's Synopsis
In 1991 the Antarctic Treaty and the future of the continent come up for renegotiation. Antarctica is the last unspoilt continent. A landmass with huge potential mineral wealth and key strategic importance, it is the only place on earth where a signed treaty keeps the major nations from exploiting vast untapped resource. The view of Antarctica as an exceptional place worthy of special treatment was hard won. It occurred only after international rivalry in the race for the South Pole had taken its toll in lives, reputations and effort.;This book combines illustrations painted from life, with drawings, engravings and historic photographs covering the discovery of the continent.
