Energy In World History

by Vaclav Smil

Every human activity entails the conversion of energy. Changes in the fundamental sources of energy, and in the use of energy sources, are a basic dimension of the evolution of society. Our appreciation of the significance of these processes is essential to a fuller understanding of world history.Vaclav Smil offers a comprehensive look at the role of energy in world history, ranging from human muscle-power in foraging societies and animal-power in traditional farming to preindustrial hydraulic techniques and modern fossil-fueled civilization. The book combines a vast historical sweep with cross-cultural comparisons and is enhanced by illustrations and accessible quantitative material. Students and general readers alike will gain an understanding of energy's fundamental role in human progress.Smil illuminates the role played by various means of harnessing energy in different societies and provides new insights by explaining the impact and limitations of these fundamental physical inputs—whether it is in the cultivation of crops, smelting of metals, waging of war, or the mass production of goods. While examining the energetic foundations of historical changes, Energy in World History avoids simplistic, deterministic views of energy needs and recognizes the complex interplay of physical and social realities.

Genres: History, Science, Nonfiction, Economics, Technology, Environment

300 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Vaclav Smil is a Czech-Canadian scientist and policy analyst whose work spans energy, environment, food, population, economics, history, and public policy. Educated at Charles University in Prague and later at Pennsylvania State University, where he earned his Ph.D. in geography, Smil emigrated from Czechoslovakia to the United States in 1969 following the Soviet invasion, before beginning his long academic career at the University of Manitoba in 1972. Over the decades he established himself as a leading voice on global energy systems, environmental change, and economic development, with particular attention to China. Smil has consistently argued that transitions to renewable energy will be gradual rather than rapid, emphasizing the persistence of coal, oil, and natural gas and highlighting the difficulties of decarbonizing critical industries such as steel, cement, ammonia, and plastics. He has also been skeptical of indefinite economic growth, suggesting that human consumption could be sustained at much lower levels of material and energy use. Widely admired for his clear, data-driven analyses, Smil counts Bill Gates among his readers, while colleagues have praised his rigor and independence. Known for his reclusiveness and preference for letting his books speak for him, he has nonetheless lectured extensively worldwide and consulted for major institutions. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and a member of the Order of Canada, Smil remains a highly influential public intellectual.

Reviews

[Mike Parkes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Superceded by Smil's newer "Energy and Civilization".

[Josef Kreitmayer · Rating 4 out of 5]

the social sciences tend to act as if the social sphere would be operating in some enclosed universe. The book gives a good insight, how the use of energy and the availability of energy ressources was shaped and shaped our societies history.

There is no foresight in this book. To that issue the yearly "World Energy Outlook" of the IEA (International Energy Agency) especially 2011, where they clearly state "the age of cheap oil is over" is recommendable.

[Harsh Thaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gives an overview of energy consumption from use of wood to oil. Bit outdated as the book was written in 1990s.

[Ed White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent as he makes you think by questioning his statements but I generally found Smil consistent with my thoughts, observations and understanding of history.

[AskHistorians]

The authoritative work on the theromodynamic aspects of the world economy from prehistory to the modern era of fossil fuels. If you want to know how many kilowatts a Roman mill could output, and why we used coal for eons but never realized its true value until the Industrial Revolution, this is your book.

[Kim Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

accessible. And gives some great examples to ground what he is saying.