Energy and American society: a reference handbook

Abstract

Review: Energy and American Society: A Reference Handbook By E. Willard Miller and Ruby M. Miller Reviewed by Haipeng Li Oberlin College Miller, E. Willard and Ruby M. Miller. ENERGY AND AMERICAN SOCIETY: A REFERENCE HANDBOOK (Contemporary World Issues Series) Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO, Inc. 1993. 418 pp. US $39.50 hardcover ISBN: 0-87436- 689-5. Recycled, acid-free paper. No one can deny the importance energy has played in shaping modern American culture and America's position in the industrial world. Yet only in recent years has it become evident that the nation's energy resources are not inexhaustible and must be used with greater efficiency. As part of ABC-CLIO's award-winning Contemporary World Issues series, ENERGY AND AMERICAN SOCIETY discusses energy issues in American society. Authors Miller and Miller have compiled a listing of various energy resources, such as petroleum and bituminous coal, and described each in detail in regards to their major production areas and current production trends. The book also contains current information on statistical data and hard- to-obtain information on organizations. This is helpful to the lay person and the professional alike. Typically, the authors provide general as well as detailed information and data on specific resources. For example, one might be surprised to find out that in 1990, United States energy production was 67,600 trillion Btu, while energy consumption was 81,500 Btu. The authors also supply a list of energy laws and regulations, including descriptions and complete citations. For additional information, the bibliography details a wide range of sources (some nicely annotated) including books, articles, films and videocassettes . A descriptive directory of organizations dealing with energy issues, both domestic and international, is also provided. A single index grants easy access to the book's contents. ENERGY AND AMERICAN SOCIETY: A REFERENCE HANDBOOK is an important reference work that provides solid and useful information on the current status of energy resources in the United States. It is a invaluable tool for both the general public and researchers in the area of