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- catalog abstract ""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."--Publisher description.".
- catalog contributor b7140543.
- catalog created "1994.".
- catalog date "1994".
- catalog date "1994.".
- catalog dateCopyrighted "1994.".
- catalog description ""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."--Publisher description.".
- catalog description "1. Energy and Society --- 2. Energy in Prehistory --- 3. Traditional Agriculture --- 4. Preindustrial Prime Movers and Fuels --- 5. Fossil-Fueled Civilization --- 6. Energy in World History.".
- catalog description "Includes bibliographical references (p. 272-291) and index.".
- catalog extent "xviii, 300 p. :".
- catalog hasFormat "Energy in world history.".
- catalog identifier "0813319013 (alk. paper)".
- catalog identifier "0813319021 (pbk.)".
- catalog isFormatOf "Energy in world history.".
- catalog isPartOf "Essays in world history".
- catalog issued "1994".
- catalog issued "1994.".
- catalog language "eng".
- catalog publisher "Boulder : Westview Press,".
- catalog relation "Energy in world history.".
- catalog subject "333.79/09 20".
- catalog subject "Power resources History.".
- catalog subject "TJ163.5 .S623 1994".
- catalog tableOfContents "1. Energy and Society --- 2. Energy in Prehistory --- 3. Traditional Agriculture --- 4. Preindustrial Prime Movers and Fuels --- 5. Fossil-Fueled Civilization --- 6. Energy in World History.".
- catalog title "Energy in world history / Vaclav Smil.".
- catalog type "History. fast".
- catalog type "text".