This book traces the history and evolution of ice skating, covering its earliest origins - including primitive forms such as sliding on bone skates - through to the modern development of figure skating. It provides rich visual documentation, featuring 140 illustrations and colour plates including many of the stars of skating in action. The narrative explains not just the aesthetics of skating but some of its technical and cultural growth: how the sport matured, how styles and equipment evolved, and profiles of prominent skaters. The 'portfolio of stars' includes full-page action colour photographs of celebrated figure skaters, making the work part history, part pictorial celebration of the artistry and athleticism of ice skating.