<DIV>More than an account of the human delusion and fortitude in penetrating one of the most inhospitable areas of the world, <i>Arctic Obsession</i> goes beyond the gripping history of northern exploration, of the searches for the Northwest and Northeast Passages. From early medieval times to the twenty-first century, what has been the beguiling attraction of the North? What manner of men were they who boldly ventured into those hostile and unpredictable regions, scores never to return home, swallowed up by the merciless north. Today's Arctic is developing into tomorrow's hot spot. <i>Arctic Obsession </i>dwells on contemporary issues besetting the most fragile part of our globe ? global warming and environmental, ecological and geo-political concerns. The book also provides an overview of the entire Arctic region, from Canada, Russia, and Alaska to Greenland, Iceland, and the North Sea.</div>