Energy and Civilization: A History

Written by Vaclav Smil

Narrated by David Colacci

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 readers a magisterial overview.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ascent Audio
• Release date: May 8, 2018
• ISBN: 9781469098241

Vaclav Smil

Vaclav Smil is Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the University of Manitoba. He is the New York Times bestselling author of How the World Really Works, as well as more than forty other books on topics including energy, environmental and population change, food production and nutrition, technical innovation, risk assessment, and public policy. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, he has been named by Foreign Policy as one of the Top 100 Global Thinkers.

[John Giannasca · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The best and most comprehensive explanation of the subject presented in a very listenable way. The time flew as the author took us through a complete journey

[Ron Capel · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Unbelievable amount of detail and historical background. Highly recommendif you are curious about timelines required for energy transitions.

[ole kirkeby · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I quit after 20 minutes. I find the style long-winded and even a little bit pretentious. It comes across as an academic dissertation, and not an attempt to explain the subject to newcomers. I think you have to be a hardcore history-fan in order to enjoy it.

[Michal Wojtera · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Excellent analysis, but the conclusions disappoint. A bit too Malthusian for my taste.

[Darcy Campbell · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It is long and highly detailed. But your worldview will be deeply enriched. Well worth it.

[Mr.Bion · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Yes 5 star is alot, but it's most becuse it gave me a nubie a glimpse into the History of humans relation to energy. Energy as kilojoules and calorie. I am a bioslacker so it was interesting to see how economics driven by food for economic growth all the way to solve nutritional needs for armys to horses and cars and iPads. Oil trees kol and vegetables and obece humans rike in economic development. Book is packed with data and it's relation to what drove the changes. Its a book that should be on list of readers: Homo Deus, Happiness hypotes...

[Victory Eze · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

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[waldhaus1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Smil provides almost too much data about energy use in civilization and poorer capital throughout history. He sees energy as an important element in historical advance but nearly incidental to ethics and art. He refers to automobiles as an addiction and notes no addiction is without costs. He speculates on how out of the world can wean itself from hydrocarbon energy. While full of many answers it raises even more questions.

[shrike58 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

To a large degree this is somewhere between a reference work and a textbook and while Smil may think that he's writing history of technology for historians to this reader the book feels more like sociology for engineers. That said you will inevitably learn a great deal by dipping into this book at points, as Smil explains the hard realities of energy transfers. Such being the case Smil is not there to coddle your expectations as while he believes that the excessive burning of fossil fuels are a threat to human survival he is also not impressed that any of the "green" solutions will offer much hope in the near future. His short term suggestion is that, perhaps, people should get used to using less and living more modestly; Smil makes no bones about finding the West's conspicuous consumption distasteful and uncultured. The flavor is much like that of your granduncle who experienced real privation in his life and finds your whining about not being able to buy a new sports car tedious and annoying.