Energy

As Einstein pointed out in his famous equation, E=MC2, all matter can be described as energy. It is everywhere; it is everything. In this engaging book, prolific author and academic Vaclav Smil provides an introduction to the far-reaching term and gives the reader a greater understanding of energy's place in both past and present society. Starting with an explanation of the concept, he goes on to cover such exciting topics as the inner workings of the human body, and the race for more efficient and environmentally friendly fuels. With global warming becoming a mainstream political issue, this guide will help shed light on the science behind it and efforts to prevent it, and how our seemingly insignificant daily decisions affect energy consumption. Whether you're after insight or dinner table conversation, "Energy: A Beginner's Guide" will amaze and inform, uncovering the science behind one of the most important concepts in our universe. David G. Victor - Director, Program on Energy and Sustainable Development, Stanford University"Smil's 'Energy' is rich in thoughtful insights and written in sparkling prose, this little book offers a sweeping survey of the many ways that energy moves our economy and ecology."Sir Crispin Tickell - Former Chairman of both the Board of the Climate Institute of Washington DC and the International Institute for Environment"This admirably clear and comprehensive guide shows how we us and misuse energy, and the prospects, as ever more if us devour the Earth's diminishing capital of fossil fuels."1 Energy in our minds: Concepts and Measures;2. Energy in the biosphere: how nature works;3. Energy in human history: muscles. Tools. Machines; 4. Energy in the modern world; fossil fueled civilisation; 5. Energy in everyday life: from eating to emailing; 6. Energy in the future: trends and unknown