The Antarctic: a very short introduction

The front matter of this book clearly states the rationale for the series and specific topic. OUP’s Very short introduction series “are for anyone wanting a stimulating and accessible way in to a new subject. They are written by experts …”. This volume clearly satisfies both these grounds. Klaus Dodds has extensive background in Antarctic scholarship, focusing on geopolitics, and this volume has produced a broad-based and very readable account. Dodds recognizes the inherent challenge of such a publisher’s brief – noting that “writing a Very Short Introduction to Antarctica is a task not for the faint-hearted” (xi). Much has to be excluded or summarized, and thus a reviewer’s task needs to be matched to the focus of the work.