Energy History

Through an unforgettable cast of characters, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Richard Rhodes explains how wood gave way to coal and coal made room for oil, as we now turn to natural gas, nuclear power, and renewable energy. Rhodes looks back on five centuries of progress, through such influential figures as Queen Elizabeth I, King James I, Benjamin Franklin, Herman Melville, John D. Rockefeller, and Henry Ford.

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 and offers listeners a magisterial overview of humanity's energy eras.

Global demand for power is doubling every two decades, but electricity remains one of the most difficult forms of energy to supply and do so reliably. Today, some three billion people live in places where per-capita electricity use is less than what's used by an average American refrigerator. How we close the colossal gap between the electricity rich and the electricity poor will determine our success in addressing issues like women's rights, inequality, and climate change.

In Charged, James Morton Turner unpacks the history of batteries to explore why solving "the battery problem" is critical to a clean energy transition. As climate activists focus on what a clean energy future will create the history of batteries offers a sharp reminder of what building that future will consume. With new insight on the consequences for people and communities on the front lines, Turner draws on the past for crucial lessons that will help us build a just and clean energy future, from the ground up.

Instruments of modern physics can measure the energies of the electromagnetic spectrum, but these energies only account for roughly 4 percent of the total identifiable mass-energy of the universe. What makes up the remaining 96%? In this scientifically based yet accessible analysis, Yury Kronn, Ph.D., explores the nature of the remaining 96% of the universe’s mass-energies. Contemporary science calls this mass energy “dark matter,” and the ancients called it life force, prana, or chi.

The world is desperate for cobalt. It drives the proliferation of digital and clean technologies. But this "demon metal" has a horrific present and a troubled history. The modern search for cobalt has brought investors back to a small town in Northern Canada, a place called Cobalt. Like the demon metal, this town has a dark and turbulent history.

Written in 1900 by Nikola Tesla, this book gives great ideas on automation, agriculture, energy, and increasing human output to improve the human condition.

The World Health Organization projects the majority of the world's heart attack patients will be Asian Indian within a few years. South Asians, who are predominantly Indians and Pakistanis, make up one-third of the world's population and have the highest prevalence of heart disease and diabetes. The South Asian Health Solution is the first book to provide an ancestral health-based wellness plan culturally tailored for South Asians.

This is a very timely study of Russia's development into a global energy power from the Russian Revolution to the present day. Beginning in the late nineteenth century, Russia emerged not only as a key producer but also as one of the world's leading exporters of oil. Russia's transformation into a modern global power was connected to its ability to make use of its vast natural resources and produce energy in increasing quantities.

The innovators dilemma of our age, that sets out to restore the ability to forecast from first principles, in a world superficially changing too fast for traditional expertise to retain relevance. Described variously as extremely serious, densely packed, highly controversial - but not wrong, The Future History of Energy and Transportation, is a mental work out with the reward of delivering actionable working knowledge of the extraordinary.

Where does human energy come from, and where is it going? In this fascinating text, notable inventor Nikola Tesla examines these fundamental questions as he theorizes ways of maximizing human energy. While he thinks like a scientist, Tesla writes like a philosopher, making the text accessible for a wider audience. The Problem of Increasing Human Energy functions as both a valuable contribution to scientific thought and a self-help book for humanity.

En esta monumental historia, Vaclav Smil ofrece una impresionante panorámica de cómo la energía ha impulsado el progreso cultural y económico de las sociedades humanas durante los últimos diez mil años, desde los primeros grupos de cazadores-recolectores hasta la civilización fósil, pasando por las sociedades agrícolas tradicionales y la "gran transición" que lo cambió todo.

Es sieht nicht alles schlimm aus in den achtziger Jahren. Aber vieles. Es ist das Jahrzehnt der explodierenden Dauerwellen und Pornoschnauzbärte, der aufgepumpten Schulterpolsterjacketts und schrillen Herumprotzerei; in den Achtzigern werden die Yuppies zu Vorreitern einer neuen Egoistenkultur. Doch gleichzeitig herrscht die Angst vor der Apokalypse, vor dem Atomtod und der Umweltzerstörung; die Menschen sehnen sich nach Utopien und Zukunft, nach neuer Gemeinschaft und Wärme.

Nuclear power once promised to be the solution to the world's energy crisis, but that all changed in the late twentieth century after multiple high-profile accidents and meltdowns. Power plant workers, finding themselves the subject of public opposition, became leery of reporters. But one plant in Zion, Illinois, allowed unrestricted access to one journalist: the Chicago Tribune's Casey Bukro. Bukro spent two years inside the Zion nuclear plant, interviewing employees, witnessing high-risk maintenance procedures, and watching the radiation exposure counter on his own dosimeter tick up and up.

In "The Problem of Increasing Human Energy," Nikola Tesla embarks on an intellectual voyage that explores the avenues through which human society could augment its collective energy resources for the betterment of mankind. First published in Century Magazine in 1900, this work showcases Tesla's profound ingenuity and his visionary approach to not only scientific and technological advancements but also to addressing broader existential challenges.

Awaken and unleash the amazing powers of your chakras. Are you feeling lost and listless? Are you looking for balance in all the wrong places? Could you benefit from a clearer mind or a healthier life? If you find yourself saying ‘Yes’ to any of the above, then Chakras for Beginners: How to Awaken and Balance Chakras, Radiate Positive Energy and Heal Yourself is the audiobook for you. In this thorough guide, you’ll learn all about the fascinating history of the chakras and how their natural powers can bring balance and harmony to your life.

Mind-body expert Shelley A. Kaehr, PhD brings you The Eight of Hermopolis, part of a new series on Egyptian Energy Healing. In the ancient Egyptian nome of Hermopolis, eight deities formed the Ogdoad, a sacred grouping, who embodied all of creation.

Mind-body expert Shelley A. Kaehr, PhD brings you The Nine of Heliopolis, the first in a new series on Egyptian Energy Healing. In one of the most prevalent Egyptian creation myths, nine deities ruled supreme in Heliopolis. Now you can work with these powerful forces to create strength and resilience in your life.

In the ancient city of Thebes, the Priests of Amun determined to make Amun superior to all other gods in Egypt. Amun, Mut, and Khonsu formed the Theban Triad, and enjoyed a cult following throughout the Middle and New Kingdoms. Meet with this power trio to gain wisdom and insight into your soul's journey, awaken memories of past lives, and learn a healing method.

Are you ready to expand your health and happiness? To awaken, one must understand the power of the chakras. To heal one’s mind, body, and spirit, one must align them. The wonders of a quiet mind allow anyone to achieve a level of joy and abundance they never knew existed. This journey will change your life. You’ll learn ancient medicine and the use of chakras, secret and powerful healing techniques, and more.