For more than four billion years, ever since comets first crashed into the Earth, ice has been inextricably linked to life on this planet. From cold-hardy microbes to freeze-resistant frogs, nature has evolved many tricks for survival. Even human beings have learned to adapt to the challenges - and opportunities - of life with ice. Now, as glaciers shrink, and ice vanishes from the polar seas, Richard Longley takes us back to our icy roots, rekindling wonder for this alluring frozen water.

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