Of Maps and Men: The Mysterious Discovery of Antarctica

This story begins with Dr. Weihaupt€s explorations in the deep unexplored interior of Antarctica and the questions they inspired. Today we have a good understanding of the nature of our planet and its human history, yet there are inevitably more questions about who and what we are than there are answers. We know so little about our human past. When we get them, the answers are astonishing. The Ice Ages call into question far more recent history, the world of splendid ships, hearty mariners, intrepid explorers, breathtaking courage, and imaginative cartographers. What we witness in this book is the examinations of glaciers and ice sheets that lead to fascinating mysteries of human Medieval and Renaissance times. These mysteries include the discovery of Antarctica. The first to sight that continent, as recorded in history books, were scruffy whalers of colorful lore. However, there is another side to this story hidden deep in the Ice Age scientific record. Ancient maps are at the heart of this inquiry. If you enjoy maps, you will enjoy the adventure that unfolds. If not, your time is better spent in less adventurous pursuits. If you read this book, you will find that rarely do nature and history converge to reveal glimpses not only of the secrets of the snows, but of our unknown historic past. Nor are all of the mysteries solved; we are left still wondering, still blessed with the gift of the unknown. There are deep mysteries wafting in the breezes of both polar ice and mind. Readers will revisit the rich history of early explorations and follow in the footsteps of the adventurers of our historic past. Seldom do science and history so ably complement each other.