Bookverdict.com

Gr 8 Up—Marrin weaves chemical, historical, industrial, and military information together to create a cohesive explanation of something that has changed our world, for good or ill. The summary of oil's importance in modern military efforts from World War I onward is particularly enlightening. The detail regarding the chaotic and complex history of the modern Middle East is comprehensive but not overwhelming. The negative environmental impacts of oil extraction...Log In or Sign Up to Read More

"Our country has 5 percent of the world’s population but uses 26 percent of its energy." And most of that energy -- fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas -- is nonrenewable. Before Marrin discusses the current state of affairs, the somewhat bleak outlook for the future, and alternative sources of energy (nuclear, solar, wind, and water), he gives readers a geology primer on the formation of o...Log In or Sign Up to Read More

Opening with a geology primer on the formation of oil and a brief overview of oil in ancient times, the narrative is most succes...Log In or Sign Up to Read More

Covers a wealth of oil-related topics, from the environment, energy dependence, and power struggles over crude oil to the geological events that created fossil fuels, the birth of drilling, and the process of refining. The text is accessible and lively. Frequent anecdotes, quotes, photos, and surprising st...Log In or Sign Up to Read More