'“There is no author whose books I look forward to more than Vaclav Smil"

– Bill Gates

'Smil's...ability to condense so much detail on a broad range of topics from science to economics in such a short work is as impressive as his command of the subject matter.'

– Jason P. Theriot - Energy and Environmental consultant

'In a fluent, easy style [Smil] delves into the world of oil from its discovery on the ground through to its effect on prices at the petrol pumps, and to its impact on future generations.'

– The Good Book Guide

'Everything most people — including most economists and investment advisors — should know about the physics and economics of oil.'

– National Post

'A well-balanced, concise, and readable synthesis of oil-related facts and history.'

– Technology and Culture

'Terrific. Smil has done it again, producing a book from which we can all create new insights, this time explaining oil production, consumption and the broader impacts it has upon society.'

– Chris Mottershead - Senior Vice President (Quality, Strategy & Innovation), King's College London

'At last, an accurate and readable book which effectively presents the whole range of issues which are required for an understanding of the complex global oil system.'

– Peter Odell - Founder of Centre for International Energy Studies, Erasmus University, Rotterdam