Energy in Nature and Society: General Energetics of Complex Systems
"The economist Julian Simon once called energy the 'master resource.' With this marvelously erudite, wonderfully detailed book, Vaclav Smil once again shows that when it comes to insightful discussions of the myriad complexities and consternations of the master resource, he is, without question, the master." --Robert Bryce, energy journalist and managing editor of Energy Tribune"Vaclav Smil's appreciation of energy systems combines Thomas Edison and Franz Kafka. He celebrates innovation and progress but also vividly shows the strange fates and fall-out of what appear to be some of humanity's best machines."--Jesse H. Ausubel, Director, Program for the Human Environment, The Rockefeller University(Jesse H. Ausubel)"Energy in Nature and Societyis filled with facts, measurements, and brief but accurate descriptions of dozens of techniques, which when combined, force facts to make sense." Alfred W. Crosby BioScience"Energy in Nature and Societyis unique in its value and its comprehensive coverage of all energy matters; it should be on the bookshelves of all professionals in science, social science, economics, and history." T.L.T. Grose CHOICE"Vaclav Smil"s appreciation of energy systems combines Thomas Edison and Franz Kafka. He celebrates innovation and progress but also vividly shows the strange fates and fall-out of what appear to be some of humanity"s best machines."Jesse H. Ausubel, Director, Program for the Human Environment, The Rockefeller University