This book provides a diplomatic history of a turning point in Antarctic governance: the 1991 adoption of comprehensive environmental protection obligations for an entire continent, which prohibited mining. Solving the mining issue became a symbol of finding diplomatic consensus. The book combines historiographic concepts of contingency, conjuncture and accidental events with theories of structural, entrepreneurial and intellectual leadership. Drawing on archival documents, it shows that Antarctic governance is more adaptive than some imagine, and policy success depends on the interplay of normative practices, serendipitous events, public engagement and influential players able to exploit those circumstances. Ultimately, the events revealed in this book show that the protection of the Antarctic Treaty itself remains as important as protecting the Antarctic environment.

The Cambridge History of the Polar Regions is a landmark collection drawing together the history of the Arctic and Antarctica from the earliest times to the present. Structured as a series of thematic chapters, an international team of scholars offer a range of perspectives from environmental history, the history of science and exploration, cultural history, and the more traditional approaches of political, social, economic, and imperial history. The volume considers the centrality of Indigenous experience and the urgent need to build action in the present on a thorough understanding of the past. Using historical research based on methods ranging from archives and print culture to archaeology and oral histories, these essays provide fresh analyses of the discovery of Antarctica, the disappearance of Sir John Franklin, the fate of the Norse colony in Greenland, the origins of the Antarctic Treaty, and much more. This is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the history of our planet.

Publisher description

'Who Saved Antarctica? tackles a celebrated episode in Antarctic diplomatic history, one that has generated legends and heroes. Andrew Jackson journeys beneath the familiar narrative to reveal a much more complex, nuanced and believable reality, building a bedrock of analysis that will strengthen present and future work in the Antarctic Treaty System. He writes as both scholar and practitioner, a wise and discerning participant-observer of processes and protocols he knows intimately. The result is a powerful piece of storytelling as well as a brilliant work of scholarship.' --Tom Griffiths, Emeritus Professor of History, Australian National University, Australia This book provides a diplomatic history of a turning point in Antarctic governance: the 1991 adoption of comprehensive environmental protection obligations for an entire continent, which prohibited mining. Solving the mining issue became a symbol of finding diplomatic consensus. The book combines historiographic concepts of contingency, conjuncture and accidental events with theories of structural, entrepreneurial and intellectual leadership. Drawing on archival documents, it shows that Antarctic governance is more adaptive than some imagine, and policy success depends on the interplay of normative practices, serendipitous events, public engagement and influential players able to exploit those circumstances. Ultimately, the events revealed in this book show that the protection of the Antarctic Treaty itself remains as important as protecting the Antarctic environment. Andrew Jackson is a Research Fellow at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, Tasmania.

This exciting new book details the expeditions of submarining adventurer and inventor Jacques Cousteau. A 20th century explorer, Cousteau documented his many undersea adventures in books and on film and television. Young readers will be fascinated to learn about his research ships and inventions, such as the aqualung, and be inspired by his passion for ocean conservation.

The Three Elves Who Saved Christmas: A Magical Adventure What would you do if Santa Claus got sick on Christmas Eve and couldn't deliver the presents? That's the dilemma that three brave and clever elves face in this book. Lily, Max and Sam decide to take Santa's place and save Christmas. But they have to use a magic sleigh that can fly by itself and has a GPS that shows them where to go. This is a children's book of fantasy and adventure, full of excitement, humor and magic. It's an original and creative story, that will delight readers of all ages. If you like stories of Christmas, of elves, of reindeer and of Santa Claus, this is the perfect book for you. Purchase it now and find out how the three elves saved Christmas!