| Description |
1 online resource (vii, 552 pages) : illustrations |
| Physical Medium |
polychrome |
| Description |
text file |
| Note |
Extensively updated and expanded edition of the author's Energy in world history (Boulder : Westview Press, 1994). |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references and indexes. |
| Summary |
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. |
| Contents |
Energy and society -- Energy in prehistory -- Traditional farming -- Preindustrial prime movers and fuels -- Fossil fuels, primary electricity, and renewables -- Fossil-fueled civilization -- Energy in world history. |
| Local Note |
eBooks on EBSCOhost EBSCO eBook Subscription Academic Collection - North America |
| Subject |
Power resources -- History.
|
|
Power resources. |
|
History. |
|
Power resources -- Social aspects.
|
|
Power resources -- Social aspects. |
|
Technology and civilization.
|
|
Technology and civilization. |
|
Energy consumption -- Social aspects.
|
|
Energy consumption -- Social aspects. |
|
Energy consumption. |
| Indexed Term |
ENVIRONMENT/Energy |
|
ENVIRONMENT/General |
|
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & SOCIETY/History of Technology |
| Genre/Form |
Electronic books.
|
|
Electronic books.
|
|
History.
|
| Added Title |
Energy in world history https://id.loc.gov/authorities/names/n2016053975
|
| Other Form: |
Print version: Smil, Vaclav. Energy in world history. Energy and civilization 9780262035774 (DLC) 2016030742 (OCoLC)959698256 |
| ISBN |
9780262338301 (electronic book) |
|
0262338300 (electronic book) |
|
9780262338318 (electronic book) |
|
0262338319 (electronic book) |
|
9780262035774 |
|
0262035774 |
|
