Energies – An Illustrated Guide to the Biosphere & Civilization: An Illustrated Guide to the Biosphere and Civilization (The MIT Press) Hardcover – Import, 4 January 1999

Vaclav Smil writes this explanatory book for a wide audience. He provides an accessible treatment of a complex and abstract topic to the beginner as well as trove of well researched data for those interested in the details that support his presentation of the subject of energies. Excellent.

Needed the book for a class, was perfect condition as advertised!

A fascinating book on the history of energy in our world - from nature and the origins of the planet to the present day. Exploring everything from solar radiation and weather patterns through computers, there are 200 pages of interesting perspective often accompanied by diagrams, drawings, and tables. This isn't a book full of formulas and obscure theory - it is real and generally approachable by the above-average reader. The book bogs in some spots and moves a bit too fast once we get to the modern impacts on energy - but you won't be disappointed in this high-quality read.