The main underlying theme in this volume by Smil (environment, U. of Manitoba) is that a transition in the main energy sources used by society generally takes decades, even with widespread support, as technological innovations, organizational changes, and social adaptation must also take place. While entirely in favor of the transition to carbon-neutral and renewable resources, he notes that such sources of energy only make up one percent of worldwide energy usage and that coal is still a major source of worldwide energy. Before moving on to an appraisal of coming expectations and realities, the volume contains extensive historical analysis of fuel transitions along with a more intense focus on eight countries. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)