Under The Microscope

TIME ON ICE by Rupert Alchin; Learning Media, 1997; 24 pp; $6.95

Reviewed by Vicki Hyde

Here's a good way to introduce the science, history and humanity of Antarctic exploration to a young reader.

It is based loosely around the mission of Rose Evans, a museum conservator charged with looking at the preservation of Scott's Hut and its contents. In doing so it compares life in the Antarctic for Scott's fateful expedition and for those working there today.

The comprehensive information is clearly presented and well illustrated. Even better, it is not afraid to deal with thorny issues, whether the nature of Scott's failure or the problem of how -- and indeed whether --one should preserve history.

Vicki Hyde is the editor of New Zealand Science Monthly.