A comprehensive account of how energy has shaped society throughout history, from pre-agricultural foraging societies through today's fossil fuel–driven civilization. "I wait for new Smil books the way some people wait for the next 'Star Wars' movie. In his latest book, Energy and Civilization: A History, he goes deep and broad to explain how innovations in humans' ability to turn energy into heat, light, and motion have been a driving force behind our cultural and economic progress over the past 10,000 years. —Bill Gates, Gates Notes, Best Books of the Year Energy is the only universal currency; it is necessary for getting anything done. The conversion of energy on Earth ranges from terra-forming forces of plate tectonics to cumulative erosive effects of raindrops. Life on Earth depends on the photosynthetic conversion of solar energy into plant biomass. Humans have come to rely on many more energy flows—ranging from fossil fuels to photovoltaic generation of electricity—for their civilized existence. In this monumental history, Vaclav Smil provides a comprehensive account of how energy has shaped society, from pre-agricultural foraging societies through today's fossil fuel–driven civilization. Humans are the only species that can systematically harness energies outside their bodies, using the power of their intellect and an enormous variety of artifacts—from the simplest tools to internal combustion engines and nuclear reactors. The epochal transition to fossil fuels affected everything: agriculture, industry, transportation, weapons, communication, economics, urbanization, quality of life, politics, and the environment. Smil describes humanity's energy eras in panoramic and interdisciplinary fashion, offering readers a magisterial overview. This book is an extensively updated and expanded version of Smil's Energy in World History (1994). Smil has incorporated an enormous amount of new material, reflecting the dramatic developments in energy studies over the last two decades and his own research over that time.
Vaclav Smil
Vaclav Smil is a Czech-Canadian scientist and author known for his work in energy, environmental, and population studies. He is the author of over 40 books that cover a wide range of topics including energy transitions, environmental sustainability, and the history of technology.
Smil's writing style is characterized by its thorough research, data-driven analysis, and accessible language. His contributions to literature include providing valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing humanity in the 21st century, particularly in the areas of energy consumption and climate change.
One of Smil's most famous works is "Energy and Civilization: A History," in which he traces the relationship between energy use and societal development throughout human history. This book has had a significant impact on the field of energy studies and has been praised for its comprehensive and insightful analysis. Overall, Vaclav Smil's work has made a lasting impact on the literary genre of science and technology writing, and his contributions continue to be highly regarded in academic and popular circles.
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