An exhaustive explanation of the history of consumable energy in the industrialized world, from animal oils to petrochemicals to nuclear power to renewables (solar, wind etc.). Daniel Yergin somehow manages to cram an improbable amount of information into a considerable amount of pages (804 in all!). “The Quest” delivers an illuminating (and, often, surprisingly entertaining) survey of the past, present and future of the world’s energy sources as harnessed and exploited by man. A daunting read – but well worth the effort. Spoiler alert: The future of energy lies in renewables and greater efficiency.

Reviewed by Alan