Energy In World History (Essays in World History) [Hardcover]

Vaclav Smil (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0813319013 | ISBN-13: 978-0813319018 | Publication Date: November 7, 1994

Every human activity entails the conversion of energy. Changes in the fundamental sources of energy, and in the use of energy sources, are a basic dimension of the evolution of society. Our appreciation of the significance of these processes is essential to a fuller understanding of world history.Vaclav Smil offers a comprehensive look at the role of energy in world history, ranging from human muscle-power in foraging societies and animal-power in traditional farming to preindustrial hydraulic techniques and modern fossil-fueled civilization. The book combines a vast historical sweep with cross-cultural comparisons and is enhanced by illustrations and accessible quantitative material. Students and general readers alike will gain an understanding of energy’s fundamental role in human progress.Smil illuminates the role played by various means of harnessing energy in different societies and provides new insights by explaining the impact and limitations of these fundamental physical inputs—whether it is in the cultivation of crops, smelting of metals, waging of war, or the mass production of goods. While examining the energetic foundations of historical changes, Energy in World History avoids simplistic, deterministic views of energy needs and recognizes the complex interplay of physical and social realities.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Essays for college-level readers examine various aspects of the role of energy in world events; from human and animal-powered early tools to the evolution of fossil-fueled civilization. Especially intriguing are the cross-cultural comparisons and details on fuel development and changes in world energy pattern usage. -- Midwest Book Review --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Vaclav Smil teaches at the University of Manitoba. He has written thirteen books, including Energy, Food, Environment: Realities, Myths, Options; General Energetics; and Global Ecology, Environmental Change, and Social Flexibility.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 300 pages
• Publisher: Westview Press (November 7, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0813319013
• ISBN-13: 978-0813319018
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #428,309 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Vaclav Smil is currently a Distinguished Professor in the Faculty of Environment at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Canada. He completed his graduate studies at the Faculty of Natural Sciences of Carolinum University in Prague and at the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences of the Pennsylvania State University. His interdisciplinary research interests encompass a broad area of energy, environmental, food, population, economic, historical and public policy studies, and he had also applied these approaches to energy, food and environmental affairs of China.

He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada (Science Academy) and the first non-American to receive the American Association for the Advancement of Science Award for Public Understanding of Science and Technology. He has been an invited speaker in more than 250 conferences and workshops in the USA, Canada, Europe, Asia and Africa, has lectured at many universities in North America, Europe and East Asia and has worked as a consultant for many US, EU and international institutions. His wife Eva is a physician and his son David is an organic synthetic chemist.

Official Website: www.vaslavsmil.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A most interesting book., July 26, 2011

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G. Martinez Funes (Buenos Aires Argentina) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Energy In World History (Essays in World History) (Paperback)

As Director of the Graduate Course on "Energy Geopolitics" I found this book most interesting and useful for energy professionals and general public. Lots of information and fun to read. Great book. Thanks.