Energy and Civilization: A History
SKU: 16493917927

Energy and Civilization: A History

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Energy and Civilization: A HistoryA comprehensive account of how energy has shaped society throughout history, from pre agricultural foraging societies through today's fossil fuel driven civilization."I wait for new Smil books the way some people wait for the next 'Star Wars' movie. In his latest book, Energy and Civilization: A History, he goes deep and broad to explain how innovations in humans' ability to turn energy into heat, light, and motion have been a driving force behind our

A comprehensive account of how energy has shaped society throughout history, from pre-agricultural foraging societies through today's fossil fuel-driven civilization.

"I wait for new Smil books the way some people wait for the next 'Star Wars' movie. In his latest book, Energy and Civilization: A History, he goes deep and broad to explain how innovations in humans' ability to turn energy into heat, light, and motion have been a driving force behind our cultural and economic progress over the past 10,000 years.
--Bill Gates, Gates Notes, Best Books of the Year


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. This book is an extensively updated and expanded version of Smil's Energy in World History (1994). Smil has incorporated an enormous amount of new material, reflecting the dramatic developments in energy studies over the last two decades and his own research over that time.
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SKU: 16493917927

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Heissel S.
Lexington, US
★★★★★ 1
no pure white.
no pure white.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2026
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fnlhalas
Louisville, US
★★★★★ 5
suit
Size: 12, Color: Beige
Very nice suit set. size 12. seems to fit as expected. I love the quality. It does have multi colored thread, as it is not solid.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2025
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Kimberlee
Chelsea, US
★★★★★ 5
Sway Alert!! This is a beautiful suite!
Color: Beige, Size: 5, Color: Beige, Size: 5
This suit fit great my son loved it. The quality is good. My son is five about 40 inches tall around 40 pounds. He’s very slim but the length was great. The suit jacket fit well. The pants waist were a little big, but the adjustable strap helped with that, but the fit overall was great . I would purchase a suit again in a different color.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2026
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ESI
Pawtucket, US
★★★★★ 5
Great Looking Suit with Lightweight Material
Color: Light Grey, Size: 7
I got this for a beach wedding and it worked out really well. It looked nice without feeling too formal, which was perfect for the setting. The material is linen and it feels lightweight and breathable. It kept my kid comfortable in the heat and didn’t feel stiff or heavy like some dress suits do. The appearance is sharp. The double breasted style makes it look more dressed up, but the linen material keeps it relaxed and appropriate for outdoor events. The fit was true to size. It sat well without looking baggy or tight, and everything stayed in place throughout the event. Quality feels good for the price. The fabric and stitching don’t feel cheap, and it held up well after a full day of wear. Suitability is great for things like weddings, parties, or photos. It works especially well for warmer weather because of the material. For value, I think it’s worth it. You’re getting a nice looking suit with comfortable material that actually works in real situations. Overall, great fit, breathable material, and a clean look that works really well for events.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2026
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Amber Smith
Carnegie, US
★★★★★ 5
Very nice linen suit for boys. Well worth the piece
Color: Beige, Size: 12
This JPF Double Breasted Linen Suit for Boys is the cutest thing I've ever seen! I got itt for my 8 year old and he loves it! He tried it on at soon as we received it and wore it all evening. Lol. He looks so grown up! He's about 4'3", about 75lbs. I ordered a size 12 and it fits him the way I'd expect it to. A bit big but he has room to grow into it. It is a 2 piece suit, with pants and blazer only. It's a summer suit, it's meant to have a more laid back, casual style. It is so nice! The style and color are identical to the photo. I got the beige color, that's the color my kid picked. I do worry a bit about staining, considering an 8 year old boy will be wearing it, but hopefully any stains will be easy to remove. The quality is excellent and the price isn't bad either. I highly recommend this suit
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Reviewed in the United States on March 18, 2026

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