An account of a mysterious and fascinating period - the Ice Age. It makes use of modern analytical techniques in archaeology, and examines Russian caves only recently opened to foreign specialists, the latest discoveries from China and Brazil, cave finds in Europe at Cosquer, Chauvet and Covaciella as well as Australian sites. It also features photographic images of many caves which have been closed to protect the fragile environment. Paul Bahn describes the varied background of the sites, their enigmas and mysteries.