First published in 1906, this volume traces the history of Spitsbergen in the Svalbald archipelago, from its discovery by a Dutch explorer in 1596 to the beginning of its scientific exploration in the nineteenth century. The volume was written by Sir Martin Conway (later Baron Conway of Allington), and offers a chronological narrative of the island over the course of more than three centuries, during which time it was often the centre of conflicting interest among various countries. Included in the volume are numerous maps and illustrations, a list of the principal voyages to the island from 1847 to 1900, and a history of Spitsbergen nomenclature before the nineteenth century.