Norway's Spitsbergen Archipelago, known as Svalbard to the Norwegians, is of increasing interest to Arctic scholars and geographers, as well as to military historians and analysts of strategy. It was the farthest northern battleground between German and Allied forces in World War II; it became a political arena for Soviet and U.S. competition during the Cold War; it is now a field of conflict for fishing rights and cultural resource protection; and it serves as a laboratory for the study of global warming. This unique island group occupies a fascinating place in European, Russian, and American affairs.

Here, for the first time, is the complete report compiled by U.S. Intelligence at the beginning of World War II evaluating the islands both geographically and militarily, as well as a report on the archipelago produced by the CIA in 1950. This comprehensive report--never superseded in the years since--has been edited and introduced by P.J. Capelotti. It provides in great detail the American perspective on these islands and their strategic, economic, and geologic value. Maps and illustrations are included, some from the original report, some new. A glossary covers Arctic terms.

About the Author
P.J. Capelotti is assistant professor of archaeology and American studies at Penn State University's Abington College in Abington, Pennsylvania. His research centers on the history of Arctic exploration and on the archaeology of human expansion into space.

Reviews
"very interesting...Capelotti provides an extended and well researched introduction"-Inhaltsseite; "numerous photos...exacting information"-Stone & Stone Second World War Books; "unique...important"-History; "black-and-white photographs are commended"-Cambridge University Press Journal Polar Record.



Book Information
ISBN 9780786407590
Author P.J. Capelotti
Format Paperback
Page Count 192
Imprint McFarland & Co Inc
Publisher McFarland & Co Inc
Weight(grams) 340g
Dimensions(mm) 254mm * 178mm * 10mm