Energy: A Beginner's Guide

by Vaclav Smil · 2006

Vaclav Smil's accessible guide to energy sources, uses, conversions, and constraints.

Recommended by 1 person

Why this author is included

Vaclav Smil · Energy scholar

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Who recommends it

1 person has recommended Energy: A Beginner's Guide. Each entry links to the source.

Mark ZuckerbergCo-founder and CEO, Meta

Business Insider reports Energy: A Beginner's Guide as Zuckerberg's A Year of Books selection.

Recommended · Wording not verified Source: Business Insider

Evidence details

Mark Zuckerberg and Bill Gates both recommend this book

Zuckerberg selected Smil's energy primer for the Facebook book club.

This text documents what the source says, but it is not verified as a word-for-word quote.

Business Insider · 2015-07 · accessed 2026-06-21

Article · Reported Facebook book-club pick

Business Insider reports Energy: A Beginner's Guide as Zuckerberg's A Year of Books pick and includes his energy rationale.

About the author

What the author has done, shown separately from who recommends the book.

Vaclav SmilEnergy scholar

Scholar of energy, environment, food, and technical change.

Energy: A Beginner's Guide

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