Energy is a foundation for life. Without energy, all life ceases to exist. Energy is also a key foundation of complex societies. Without a constant stream of useful energy, a society collapses into disorder (or what scientists call “entropy”). The discovery of new energy sources have been some of mankind greatest innovations.

I recommend that you read these book summaries in the following order:

1. “Energy and Civilization: A History” by Vaclav Smil
2. “Energy Transitions” by Vaclav Smil
3. “A Question of Power: Electricity and the Wealth of Nations” by Robert Bryce
4. “Foragers, Farmers and Fossil Fuels” by Ian Morris
5. “The Prize: The Epic Quest for Oil…” by Daniel Yergin
6. “Prime Movers of Globalization: The History of Diesel Engines and Gas Turbines” by Vaclav Smil
7. “Power to the People: Energy in Europe over the Last Five Centuries” by Kander et al
8. “Energy: Engine of Evolution” by Frank Niele
9. “Natural Gas: Fuel for the 21st Century” by Vaclav Smil
10. “Second Law of Economics, Energy, Entropy and the Origins of Wealth” by Reiner Kummel
11. “How Solar Energy Became Cheap” by Gregory Nemet

If there is a book that you find particularly interesting, please support the author by buying the book.