Energy may be the only universal currency; it is necessary for getting anything carried out. The conversion of energy on Earth runs from terra-forming pushes of plate tectonics to cumulative erosive ramifications of raindrops. Existence on Earth depends on the photosynthetic conversion of solar energy into plant biomass. Humans attended to rely on a lot more energy flows-ranging from fossil fuels to photovoltaic generation of electricity-for their civilized lifestyle. Within this monumental history, Vaclav Smil offers 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 types that may systematically funnel energies outside their body, using the energy 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, sector, transportation, weapons, conversation, economics, urbanization, standard of living, politics, and the environment. Smil describes humanity’s energy eras in panoramic and interdisciplinary style, offering readers a magisterial review.