Mars is a small world with a big reputation.

This mysterious, singular planet — with volcanoes that dwarf Mount Everest, a canyon system that would stretch fully across the United States, and curious landscapes that perhaps once harboured water — has fascinated us for centuries.

In the most up-to-date account available of the elusive Red Planet, Stephen James O'Meara follows our longstanding love affair with this unique celestial body, from the musings of humanity's first stargazers to the imaginings of science-fiction writers, radio broadcasters, and filmmakers, to the latest images and discoveries from the Curiosity rover. The book also reviews plans for piloted missions to Mars — and what it will take for those missions to succeed.