A History of Polar Exploration in 50 Objects: From Cook’s Circumnavigations to the Aviation Age

The objects in this book relate to a key period in polar exploration history, from the 1770s to the early 1930s. Today they are located worldwide, whether in polar regions, public spaces, museums and other repositories, or in private collections. Some objects were used by famous explorers, but more testify to important work by mariners, scientists, artists, photographers and filmmakers, or sometimes overlooked roles played by explorers’ relatives, sponsors and other supporters. They include: • Mrs Elizabeth Cook’s ‘ditty box’ • An innovative crow’s nest • Francis Crozier’s penguin specimen • An octant used in searches for John Franklin • A scientist’s portable paintbox • An expedition prospectus • An Antarctic Baby biplane • HMS Erebus’s long-lost bell Collectively, the objects evidence a continuum of polar endeavour which, notwithstanding national ambitions and personal rivalries, reflect levels of international collaboration to which we should aspire when exploring or attempting to safeguard the increasingly fragile polar regions.

About the Author :
ANNE STRATHIE is an acclaimed polar historian and biographer. She has written three biographies of members of Captain Scott's Terra Nova Antarctic expedition, all published by The History Press.

Review :
‘Strathie has done it again! This time she has researched even deeper and cast wider. Through these objects she tells of all those, from Weddell and Franklin to Amundsen, Scott, Shackleton and beyond, who probed frozen wastes at both ends of our globe. It is more than a history, it is a celebration, an allegory even, of humankind’s indomitable urge to push boundaries. This is a book not only for polar buffs – it is for everybody.’ ‘The continuum of scientific, artistic and personal affiliations linking the exploration of the Arctic and Antarctic regions is rarely appreciated. Savour, then, the polar epics revealed anew through the objects presented in this book – and be astonished!’ ‘Anne Strathie has chosen wisely – some objects will be familiar, but many more are discoveries in their own right, plucked out of museums, archives and private collections, or from remote sites visited during the author’s own travels. It’s a tour-de-force of the human element of polar explorers, their families, and all who have found in these venturesome voyages inspiration for their own.’ ‘This beautifully illustrated treasure trove of polar objects is an absolute joy to delve into. There are surprises in store even for those who know a great deal about polar history. It’s particularly gratifying that objects created by and treasured by women who played a role in the history of polar exploration are given such prominence. A wonderful addition to any polar library.’ ‘Collectively, the objects described in this book demonstrate a continuum of polar endeavour that, the author stresses, reflect levels of international collaboration to which we should aspire when exploring or protecting the increasingly fragile polar regions.’