A handsome collection of 300 striking maps, most in glorious color and many presented here for the first time. Hayes provides captivating, scholarly commentary. The maps show five centuries of exploration with chapters on early notions of the Arctic, Russian exploration, Cook, Peary Franklin, North Pole, Northwest and Northeast passages, territorial claims, and exploration by air. Hayes includes a catalog of maps -- and a final chapter of sonar, satellites and sea ice.  (ARC135, $60.00)