History and exploration in Antarctic Biology, D W H Walton & W N Bonner. Physical geography - climate, H R Phillpot. Physical geography and geological evolution, D H Elliot. Physical geography - soils, G G C Claridge & I B Campbell. Terrestrial habitats - vegetation, R E Longton. Invertebrates, L Somme. Terrestrial habitats - inland waters, J Priddle. Plankton of the Antarctic seas, S Z El-Sayed. Benthos, G B Picken. Antarctic fish, K H Kock. Seals of the Antarctic, W N Bonner. Antarctic whales, R Gambell. Oceanic birds of the Antarctic, W R Siegfried. Penguins, B Stonehouse. The Sub-Antarctic islands, D W H Walton. The Sub-Antarctic islands - introduced mammals, N Leader-Williams. Food webs and interactions: an overview of the Antarctic ecosystem, A Clarke. Conservation and exploitation, B Sage.

All in all the book is a scientifically accurate and concise account of the Antarctic ecosystem. The international spread of authors, the numerous illustrations, the references to further reading and the quality of most chapters are all highly commendable. The reader is impressed by the importance of the work and by the need for further research.
Geographical Magazine

...gives a full picture of the Antarctic environment, to set against observations made during the last 20 years of pesticides and other man-made pollutants which have been found, at low levels, in birds and fish generally far from any source of the pollutants. The chapter by Andrew Clarke on food webs is particularly relevant.
Environmental Pollution (Series A), 40
...the volume is a fine introduction to Antarctic biology. It is very nicely produced, with many photographs and diagrams. It would be a cost-effective addition to the libraries of those wishing to know something about this most interesting part of the world.
American Scientist
...This book has been published at a very apropriate time, as there is currently a need for an accurate modern account of Antarctic conservation matters.
Polar Record, Volume 23, Number 143
The information is extensive, fascinating and well illustrated...Certainly any-one interested in antarctic reseach must start with this book.
The Quarterly Review of Biology, Volume 61, Number 4
It offers a fine review of Antarctic ecosystems in a succinct, readable form. The volume is well produced with clear figures, a good index, and two useful general maps. In all, it is an impressive achievement and a book that will be an important addition to all libraries used by ecologists, biologists, earth scientists, geographers, and college and university students in those disciplines.