The objects in this book relate to a key period in polar exploration history, from the 1770s to the early 1930s. Today they are located worldwide, whether in polar regions, public spaces, museums and other repositories, or in private collections.

Some objects were used by famous explorers, but more testify to important work by mariners, scientists, artists, photographers and filmmakers, or sometimes overlooked roles played by explorers' relatives, sponsors and other supporters. They include:

• Mrs Elizabeth Cook's 'ditty box'

• An innovative crow's nest

• Francis Crozier's penguin specimen

• An octant used in searches for John Franklin

• A scientist's portable paintbox

• An expedition prospectus

• An Antarctic Baby biplane

• HMS Erebus's long-lost bell

Collectively, the objects evidence a continuum of polar endeavour which, notwithstanding national ambitions and personal rivalries, reflect levels of international collaboration to which we should aspire when exploring or attempting to safeguard the increasingly fragile polar regions.