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A Question of Power

Electricity and the Wealth of Nations

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 An “informative and highly readable” (Foreign Affairs) breakdown of the history of electricity and the impact of global energy use on the world and the environment
Global demand for power is doubling every two decades, but electricity remains one of the most difficult forms of energy to supply and do so reliably. Today, some three billion people live in places where per-capita electricity use is less than what's used by an average American refrigerator. How we close the colossal gap between the electricity rich and the electricity poor will determine our success in addressing issues like women's rights, inequality, and climate change. In A Question of Power, veteran journalist Robert Bryce tells the human story of electricity, the world's most important form of energy. Through onsite reporting from India, Iceland, Lebanon, Puerto Rico, New York, and Colorado, he shows how our cities, our money—our very lives—depend on reliable flows of electricity. He highlights the factors needed for successful electrification and explains why so many people are still stuck in the dark. With vivid writing and incisive analysis, he powerfully debunks the notion that our energy needs can be met solely with renewables and demonstrates why--if we are serious about addressing climate change--nuclear energy must play a much bigger role. Electricity has fueled a new epoch in the history of civilization. A Question of Power explains how that happened and what it means for our future. History History & Culture International Politics & Government Technology & Society Business Technology Money Africa Polar Region Pollution

Critic reviews

"Shocking revelations about electricity.... A robust look at where the juice flows around the planet-and its planetary implications."—Kirkus Reviews
"Of all the aspects of modern life in the developed world, flipping a switch and having the lights come on ranks as one of the most underrated. It's good to be reminded, as Bryce does through powerful examples, that such convenience was unheard of until the late nineteenth century...In this wide-ranging history of electricity, power expert Bryce takes readers beyond the table lamp and microwave to demonstrate how crucial safe, dependable, and plentiful electricity is to a host of contemporary innovations, from cryptocurrency mining to marijuana cultivation."—Booklist
"Informative and highly readable"—Foreign Affairs
All stars
Most relevant
I have really enjoyed this. Confirms many of my suspicions on the shortcomings of UK energy policy currently. Learnt a lot

So interesting and topical

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As a counterbalance to the endless fantasies, we are sold every day about getting rid of fossil fuels and replacing them with windmills and solar panels.

This book gives the reality of why that just won’t work and that we need every energy source. we can get our hands on, as the world demand for energy goes up, every single day.

A well researched and well explained book.

A realistic view of our energy needs

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The author themselves reads the book, and their frustration agains renewable energy deeply marinates every sentence they speak.
The author further makes some unsanitary links between religion, women’s rights, wealth and energy.

Should not be consumed by it self and should only be read by people with a sound and a sceptical mind

A Long Half-baked argument against renewables

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