The Subterranean Forest: Energy Systems and the Industrial Revolution by Rolf Pe

Description: The Subterranean Forest by Rolf Peter Sieferle, Michael Osmann Studies the historical transition from the agrarian solar energy regime to the use of fossil energy, which has fuelled the industrial transformation of the last 200 years. This title argues that the analysis of historical energy systems provides an explanation for the basic patterns of different social formations. FORMAT Paperback LANGUAGE English CONDITION Brand New Publisher Description "The Subterrranean Forest" studies the historical transition from the agrarian solar energy regime to the use of fossil energy, which has fuelled the industrial transformation of the last 200 years. The author argues that the analysis of historical energy systems provides an explanation for the basic patterns of different social formations. It is the availability of free energy that defines the framework within which socio-metabolic processes can take place. This thesis explains why the industrial revolution started in Britain, where coal was readily available and firewood already depleted or difficult to transport, whereas Germany, with its huge forests next to rivers, was much later. This landmark text was originally published in German in 1982 and was thoroughly revised and updated for the White Horse Press in 2001. Author Biography Rolf Peter Sieferle is Professor of History at the University of St Gallen in Switzerland. His other Publications include Fortschrittsfeinde? (1984), Die Krise der menschlichen Natur (1989), Bevolkerungswachtum und Naturhaushalt (1990), Die konservative Revolution (1995), Ruckblick auf die Natur (1997). Table of Contents TABLE OF CONTENTS Preface I. Energy Systems and Social Evolution 1. Palaeolithic Hunter-gatherer Societies 2. The Neolithic Revolution and the Problem of Dynamics 3. Traditional Agriculture - A Controlled Solar Energy System 4. The Structure of the Agrarian Energy System 5. The Dynamics of Agrarian Society 6. Crisis and Transformation 7. The Industrial System and Fossil Energy II. Forest and Wood in Preindustrial Germany 1. Natural Foundations The forest as a component of the agricultural biotope Forms of forest use The transportation problem 2. Preindustrial Wood Consumption Commercial consumption Iron smelting Private households 3. Regulation Problems III. England: Coal in the Industrial Revolution 1. Substitution of Wood by Coal Why was coal first used in England? The rise and decline of coal consumption in the Middle Ages A new rise Resistance to coal burning Coal as trump in the trade war Land gained with coal use Was England dependent on coal? 2. Wood and Coal in Iron Smelting Technical problems Fuel shortage and stagnation The breakthrough in iron smelting 3. Transport and Steam Power Transportation of coal Power sources for draining coal pits From the steam pump to the rotating steam engine 4. Significance of Coal in the Industrial Revolution IV. Germany in the 18th Century: Wood Crisis and Strategies for Solutions 1. Conserving Wood Fuel conserving stoves Problems in the commercial field 2. Functional Separation of Agriculture and Forestry 3. Substitution for Wood Substitution of wood by coal State measures in favour of coal Resistance and prejudices Ascendancy of coal 4. Was the Wood Crisis an Energy Crisis? V. Perceptions of Fossil Energy 1. The Finiteness of Fossil Fuels 2. Classical Political Economy and the Stationary State 3. Jevons and the Contraction of the Industrial System 4. Nuclear or Solar Energy Bibliography Review SELECTED REVIEWS OF 2001 WHITE HORSE PRESS EDITION If anyone is still wondering what environmental history has to offer, this is a book they should read. Paul Brassley in Environment and History Sieferles account of this transition, its preconditions and its lasting consequences, is an excellent contribution to the still inexplicably sparse literature on energy in human history: well informed, well written, revealing in many ways. Vaclav Smil in Journal of Economic History An engaging source for anyone grappling with the history of the Industrial Revolution. Fredric Quivik in Technology and Culture Details ISBN1874267537 Author Michael Osmann Year 2010 ISBN-10 1874267537 ISBN-13 9781874267539 Media Book Format Paperback Publication Date 2010-01-15 Short Title SUBTERRANEAN FOREST Publisher White Horse Press Language English Translator Michael Osmann Edition 2nd Imprint White Horse Press Subtitle Energy Systems and the Industrial Revolution Place of Publication Knapwell Country of Publication United Kingdom Translated from German Replaces 9781874267478 Pages 242 UK Release Date 2010-01-15 AU Release Date 2010-01-15 NZ Release Date 2010-01-15 Illustrations black & white illustrations; black & white illustrations Edition Description 2nd Revised edition DEWEY 303.483 Audience Postgraduate, Research & Scholarly We've got this At The Nile, if you're looking for it, we've got it. With fast shipping, low prices, friendly service and well over a million items - you're bound to find what you want, at a price you'll love! TheNile_Item_ID:39041616;

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