A Question of Power

Electricity and the Wealth of Nations

By: Robert Bryce

Narrated by: Robert Bryce

Length: 8 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

An acclaimed author and celebrated journalist breaks down the history of electricity and the impact of global energy use on the world and the environment.​

Global demand for power is doubling every two decades, but electricity remains one of the most difficult forms of energy to supply and do so reliably. Today, some three billion people live in places where per-capita electricity use is less than what's used by an average American refrigerator. How we close the colossal gap between the electricity rich and the electricity poor will determine our success in addressing issues like women's rights, inequality, and climate change.

In A Question of Power, veteran journalist Robert Bryce tells the human story of electricity, the world's most important form of energy. Through onsite reporting from India, Iceland, Lebanon, Puerto Rico, New York, and Colorado, he shows how our cities, our money—our very lives—depend on reliable flows of electricity. He highlights the factors needed for successful electrification and explains why so many people are still stuck in the dark.

With vivid writing and incisive analysis, he powerfully debunks the notion that our energy needs can be met solely with renewables and demonstrates why—if we are serious about addressing climate change—nuclear energy must play a much bigger role.

Electricity has fueled a new epoch in the history of civilization. A Question of Power explains how that happened and what it means for our future.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2020 Robert Bryce (P)2020 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"Shocking revelations about electricity.... A robust look at where the juice flows around the planet—and its planetary implications."—Kirkus Reviews

"Of all the aspects of modern life in the developed world, flipping a switch and having the lights come on ranks as one of the most underrated. It's good to be reminded, as Bryce does through powerful examples, that such convenience was unheard of until the late nineteenth century...In this wide-ranging history of electricity, power expert Bryce takes readers beyond the table lamp and microwave to demonstrate how crucial safe, dependable, and plentiful electricity is to a host of contemporary innovations, from cryptocurrency mining to marijuana cultivation."—Booklist

"Informative and highly readable"—Foreign Affairs

Important book

Granted the book has now been out for a few years but it’s almost better that way. The trends Robert speaks of have generally continued, and not in a good way, though reality is starting to set in some corners. Renewables are important and should continue growing but their potential has been way oversold. New nuclear, more gas-fired generation, carbon capture, hydrogen, and other new innovations must be part of our energy future.

A question of power answers. many questions

This is a thoroughly researched book dense with facts and figures. Tracing the historical arc of power in the United States, the sources, transmission and storage, it. it we use a story that is both interesting and instructive as we continue to consume more electricity.

A great story about how things work

This is a really enjoyable read about electricity and how our whole lives are touched by it. A fun, informative and relatively short listen.

As it turns out, things are complicated. Time to start thinking through them!

Amazing depth of research.

In a lot of these books you get a feel for the authors personal politics. I got no such feel here. He savages both parties for their energy sins and praises them for their energy wins. A good read unless you are terrified of nuclear energy.

What about the Candy

My over well review of this book is positive. However on several occasions he mentions the electrical and political history of the Canadian province of Ontario. In particular he mentions that provinces ban on coal fired power generation and the subsidies paid to wind and solar producers leading to sharply increased power rates. He goes on to describe how the province’s Progressive conservative party won the 2016 election over increasing power rates. But in the entire book he does not once mention the reliable deployment ofCanada’s CANDU nuclear fleet that produces about 60% of Ontario’s electricity. The Candu has a near spotless record of safety and reliability setting world records for in-service reliability. Coal in Ontario was not displaced by gas or renewables it was displaced by about 12 Gigawatts of nuclear power!

fantastic

One of the best climate change books, a must read for anyone looking to become informed on the issues we face.

Transforming Education and Healthcare with AI and

I especially liked how the book explores the impact of XR and AI on education and healthcare. The authors expertly navigate through the potential of these technologies to revolutionize learning and medical care, making complex concepts accessible and engaging.

In education, the book illustrates how AI and XR can create immersive and personalized learning experiences, breaking down traditional barriers and democratizing access to knowledge. It envisions a world where virtual environments and AI tutors make education more interactive and effective.

The healthcare sections detail the advancements in training, diagnosis, and treatment facilitated by these technologies. From virtual reality simulations for medical training to augmented reality aids in surgery, the authors showcase the potential for more accessible and precise healthcare solutions.

Graylin and Rosenberg address the ethical implications of these technologies, underscoring the importance of privacy, security, and equitable access.

With their deep industry insights, the authors not only inform but inspire action towards a future where technology enhances human potential in education and healthcare. It provides a compelling vision, clarity, and hopeful outlook on the technological advancements shaping our world.

Essential Reading (or listening)

Such a well written book on how power defines almost every aspect of modern life, and how lack of it relegates billions of people to subsistence living.
It is clear that people need more than a solar panel on the roof to power the lives they would like to live and give to their children.

Robert Bryce Never Disappoints His Audience

Excellent listen full of interesting facts. Bryce never lectures, he just provides solid, truthful information as it is and lets you decide.

Very informative!

I learned some much from this book about the politics of power! The literal the power of power!