For most of history, Antarctica was no more than an idea, an icy land of the imagination lying beyond the frozen southern oceans. It has only been two centuries since people set foot on the White Continent, braving lethal extremes of weather and violent seas to reach the most remote territory on our planet.

Acclaimed polar historian Katherine MacInnes shows how Antarctica has drawn the best and worst of humanity to its shores, from explorers such as Scott and Shackleton to the sealers, whalers and warmongers who came to exploit this vast virgin territory.

This is a tale of science and adventure, of human endurance and ingenuity tested to the limit, and of a continent that might just hold the key to a more harmonious future.

'The Shortest History of Antarctica is a beautifully written, wonderful treasure-trove of information and stories, and is a great example of Katherine's ability to make her subject come alive. It is a fusion of a huge amount of research, hard work and passion that booms out on every page.' —Ken Livingston, Chair of the Canterbury Branch of the NZ Antarctic Society

'At last! The Shortest History series is exploring Antarctica with polar historian Katherine MacInnes at the helm. From the Terra Australis Incognita to Trans-Antarctic tractors, let this introduction to Antarctic history lead you through the heroic endeavours that achieved icy glory and opened a continent for scientific endeavour!' —Dr. David M. Wilson, Polar historian and great nephew of Dr Edward Wilson Head of Science on Scott's Terra Nova

'This very interesting book about Antarctica deserves a very wide readership, especially those who have never visited this unique continent.' —Jonathan Shackleton FRGS

'It might be the "Shortest History" of Antarctica but it's one of the most comprehensive, brilliantly illustrated with evocative photos – many by my Heroic heroes Ponting and Hurley.' —Max Quinn, Polar filmmaker