Introduction to Energy

Reviews / Votes

Review of previous edition: '... serves as an excellent introduction to energy ... well written and directed at a broad readership. It provides valuable assessments of a variety of energy-related issues. Above all, the book is readable by the technical and nontechnical person.' Energy Sources Review of previous edition: '... an extremely useful book for virtually anyone who wishes to develop a working knowledge of energy, from the various ways it is produced, to the social, environmental and economic implications associated with its production and consumption.' Palaios Review of previous edition: '... more than achieves its aims as a multi-disciplinary textbook for a range of undergraduate students.' The Times Higher Education Supplement 'Cassedy and Grossman's Introduction to Energy is a fascinating and eminently readable account of the sources of energy available to our society and a dispassionate accounting of the costs and benefits of each energy source. In this updated 3rd edition, the authors hit all the right notes, and cover important developments in renewables as well as nuclear and fossil fuels since the 2nd edition was published. New sections are crisply and clearly written; of special note are the sections on solar, wind, and the German energiewende (energy transition) in the final chapter. This book should be read by students and policymakers who wish to be able to think critically about the energy issues confronting our global society in the 21st century.' Louis Schwartzkopf, Minnesota State University 'This updated edition of the classic text by Cassedy and Grossman is essential reading for understanding the modern energy landscape in all its economic, technological, and political dimensions. It covers virtually everything, from the basics of energy supply and demand, to the changing aspects of transportation fuels and power generation, to the prospects for a transition toward renewable energy sources. This new edition offers fresh and insightful discussions of contemporary developments and concerns relating to peak oil, fracking, next generation nuclear reactors, solar and wind, energy poverty, the resource curse, the smart grid, and climate change. Introduction to Energy should become a staple of any college curriculum on the subject.' Tyler Priest, University of Iowa 'Energy spans disciplines from physics to engineering to biology to economics and public policy. The topic can overwhelm a beginning student. Introduction to Energy by Cassedy and Grossman gives beginners just what they need to get started. The authors take us from the timeless principles of science to - in this latest edition - such timely topics as climate change and energy transitions. This book is a classic introduction to energy, once again intelligently updated for today's students.' Michael Giberson, Texas Tech University 'Now in its third edition, Introduction to Energy is a truly impressive book. Cassedy and Grossman integrate and leverage their respective engineering and economics expertise with great effectiveness. The result is a work that will inform experts and non-experts alike. It is also an example of what a true interdisciplinary effort can accomplish. Not least of which are integrated policy implications and potential prescriptions that do not work at cross purposes. In accomplishing this the authors do us a great service - one that leads to the avoidance of unintended and negative policy consequences.' Jim Granato, University of Houston 'The late Edward S. Cassedy was an electrical engineering professor at Brooklyn Poly, while Peter Z. Grossman is a former science journalist and professor of economics at Butler University in Indiana. As one might expect then, the economic treatment of energy issues is the strength of the book. ... The book not only doesn't take sides, but routinely points out internal contradictions and internal conflicts inherent in many energy positions, which are often ignored by the media. ... the book may be one of the best on its subject, as well as one of the most refreshingly honest and unbiased around. Not only will a reader gain a lot of insight, and a lot of good evidence for their next cocktail party discussion on energy, but this book could readily form the basis for an excellent course on energy, societal issues, and public policy matters. It is a worthwhile read.' Robert W. Avakian, The Leading Edge