The arctic has lured misguided voyagers into the cold for centuries - pushing them beyond the limits of their knowledge, technology, and endurance. The book charts these quests and the eventual race for the North Pole, chronicling the lives and adventures that would eventually throw light on this 'magical realm' of sunless winters. The book follows the explorers from the early journeys of Viking Ottar to the exploits of Martin Frobisher, Henry Hudson, Frederick Cook, Robert Peary, and Richard Bird. This 2nd edition includes a section covering current scientific and environmental issues.