There's more to brewing up in Antarctica than just switching the kettle on. Feel free to brew along to the chorus.

A quick study of the setting of the series, covering the geology, climate, glaciology and biology of the Antarctic.

Only two more preliminary episodes and we'll get to the history the series is supposed to be about, I promise.

Imagining, seeking, and then shrinking Terra Australis Incognita to manageable proportions. Philosophers, geographers, clergy and sailors vie for the final word on what and where Antarctica is, and who lives there.

Only one more preliminary episode to go and we'll get into some history.

A brief look at what was going on around the world as the exploration of the Southern Ocean began.

One of the most iconic names in maritime history does his empirical bit to show the world where Antarctica isn't.

Hard as nails Russian sea-dog braves the southern ocean in inadequate ships and after a rushed preparation and without biologists and... You get the picture. Up against it, Bellingshausen shone when the sun refused to do so, and it's not his fault most people haven't heard of him.

The chronology gets thrown out early in the piece, as the case of the empty H4n case unravels and some temporal anomalies are narrowly prevented from becoming time travel paradoxes. Karl, I need the Delorean back last week.

The Bellingshausen episode is in the editing suite as I type, and should be available last Sunday.

An overview of the state of the art in maritime extraction industries at the start of the ice rush.