The lands of silence: A history of Arctic and Antarctic exploration

About this book

The work is a comprehensive historical survey of polar exploration, assembled by Sir Clements R. Markham and completed after his death by his colleague F. H. Guillemard. It begins with a personal tribute to Markham’s lifelong fascination with the Arctic, explains how the manuscript was left unfinished in 1916, and details the collaborative effort to bring it to print in 1920. From that point the reader is guided through a methodical overview of the Arctic and Antarctic regions, their geography, early voyages, and scientific significance, with an extensive chapter list that promises coverage from medieval navigators to the heroic age of Scott and Amundsen.

The narrative reflects the scholarly tone of early‑20th‑century geography, combining earnest admiration for explorers with meticulous factual enumeration. Its prose is formal yet readable, enriched by numerous illustrations, maps, and bibliographic notes. Readers who enjoy detailed reference works, the history of scientific discovery, or the Victorian‑era spirit of adventure will find this volume rewarding, while those seeking a brisk narrative may prefer a more condensed account.

Opening lines

Although there were few subjects in which the late Sir Clements Markham was not interested, it may safely be said that Polar Exploration stood nearest his heart. Not many persons had studied the ground as thoroughly as he; no one was more widely acquainted with its explorers. I was anxious therefore that his recollections of the personality and work of the many distinguished Arctic navigators he had known should not be lost, and some years ago suggested to him that he should record the story of the gradual revealing of the Polar regions to our ken. The idea pleased him, he began his task at once, and when, in January 1916, the sad accident occurred which brought his life unexpectedly to a close, the book, though unrevised, and with one or two chapters unfinished, was nevertheless in a tolerably complete state. …

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