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Energy and Civilization

A History

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Energy and Civilization

Written by: Vaclav Smil
Narrated by: David Colacci
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About this listen

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 listeners a magisterial overview.

©2017 Massachusetts Institute of Technology (P)2018 Gildan Media Environment Science Social Sciences World
All stars
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Impactful book which brings out a whole lot of new perspectives on how energy has and would continue to be the enabler of human progress. Has not come across such effective use of data in many 'written for masses' books. Well presented too. Happy to have selected this book.

Seminal

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Narration was good.It took time to finished the book however I enjoyed a lot.Thanks Audible team for such a fantastic product. Good wishes.

pretty good.Enjoyed.It took time to finished . Nar

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This audio edition of Vaclav Smil's classic is turgid and dense and took forever to finish - simply because this book is so filled with figures and engineering technology. This is a great book for anyone wanting to read up on this space, but is best consumed as a hard copy and especially not as an audio book.

2 stars for the format, not the actual content

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