<B>World acclaimed scientist Vaclav Smil reveals everything there is to know about nature''s most sought-after resource</B><BR><BR>Oil is the lifeblood of the modern world. Without it, there would be no planes, no plastic, no exotic produce, and a global political landscape few would recognise. Humanity’s dependence upon oil looks set to continue for decades to come, but what is it?<BR><BR>Fully updated and packed with fascinating facts to fuel dinner party debate, Professor Vaclav Smil''s <I>Oil: A Beginner''s Guide</I> explains all matters related to the ‘black stuff’, from its discovery in the earth right through to the controversy that surrounds it today.