Oil: A Beginner's Guide

I realy enjoyed the book. It seems to me that it is a "must read" especially in light of an ongoing energy transition from fossil fuels to carbon-free ones. The author very nicely shows the importance of oil for the humankind and how it would be difficult to replace it by another energy source. The author clearly stated that the transition will last decades not years as we often hear in mass media. Mr. Smil provided proofs based on hard data why such transition will be difficult and why it is in some cases even impossible. However, he is not advocate of oil companies but he builds his arguments on technical possibilites and laws of physisc. The book is divided into five parts. In the first one, the author discusses how oil changed the world during transition from coal, how it influences global economy and briefly discussed trade with the oil. Second chapter is dedicated to oils origin and how it was formed. Third chapter informs about exploration methods and their history. Fourth chapter presents whole technology process from oil drilling to its transportation and refining to final products. The last chapter shows prospects of the oil in future. Overall, I found the book highly informative and unbiased. I would recommend reading the book to everybody interested in energy, history of technology, environmental science enthusiasts and even oil traders.

I was looking to learn the basics about oil and this book helped me accomplish this goal. I like how Smil made this is a 200 page book rather than a 800 page book - he stayed as high level as possible.

Hate it love it, oil is all around us and without it we are back to the stone age

I like this scientist but half of the book is footnotes. It ended after 50% was completed in reading.

This is an excellent primer on oil for people who want to be oil-literate. It's a 2017 update of a book whose first edition was published in 2008. Here's what the book covers. - Oil's uses and benefits. - What oil is, how it's found, and where it's been found. - How oil is produced, transported and processed. - Oil economics and politics. - Oil-related social and environmental issues. - Oil-related energy security issues. - How long oil will last. There are 28 helpful charts and diagrams, many excellent sidebar essays, and 4 appendices. Highly recommended.

Have authors previous books

Great book, dense in nuanced facts, Smil is a brilliant person, learn from the best! Dont waste time on any other book, thid is the gem!

I short and consice while comprehensive introduction of th history, components, delivery, and all sorts of things regarding oil. A good read!