Energy

A beginner's guide

Paperback, 192 pages

English language

Published Nov. 15, 2006 by Oneworld Publications.

ISBN:
978-1-85168-452-6
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4 stars (1 review)

According to Einstein's famous equation, E=mĉ2, all matter can be converted to energy. It is everywhere and everything. In this valuable introduction, renowned expert Vaclav Smil explains its pivotal role in the evolution of both our planet and modern society. Starting with an explanation of the concept, he goes on to cover such exciting topics as the inner workings of the human body, and the race for more efficient and environmentally friendly fuels. With global warming becoming a mainstream political issue, this guide will help shed light on the science behind it and efforts to prevent it, and how our seemingly insignificant daily decisions affect energy consumption. Whether you're after insight or dinner table conversation, Energy: A Beginner's Guide will amaze and inform, uncovering the science behind one of the most important concepts in our universe. - Publisher.

1 edition

Makes you understand how energy dominates human society

4 stars

Lots of numbers, facts, figures, and explanation about energy; how it dominates our climate, our societies, and our history.

This is one of those books that makes you realize why the world works the way it does, instead of how. Why are traditional diets full of starches? Because starch-heavy crops are the most efficient way to convert solar energy into digestible food.

Even though my copy was revised in 2015, there are some anachronisms in the text. A reference to "Zaïre" rather than Congo. The chapter about lighting talks exclusively about CFLs, treating LED lighting as a future development.

Worth it. I'll probably read other books by him.

Subjects

  • Management of land & natural resources
  • Biomass Energy
  • Science
  • Science/Mathematics
  • Energy
  • Science / General