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Energy and Civilization: A History by Vaclav Smil is a book available to read on EtoBox.

What is Energy and Civilization: A History about?

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,...

Author

Vaclav Smil

Publisher

The MIT Press

Published

2017

Language

EN

Subjects

Engineering, Stem

Rating

4.5 / 5 (1,016 ratings)

Updated

2026-03-14