The Quest

Energy, Security, and the Remaking of the Modern World

By: Daniel Yergin

Narrated by: Robert Petkoff

Length: 29 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's summary

This long-awaited successor to Daniel Yergin’s Pulitzer Prize-winning The Prize provides an essential, overarching narrative of global energy, the principal engine of geopolitical and economic change.

A master storyteller as well as a leading energy expert, Daniel Yergin continues the riveting story begun in his Pulitzer Prize–winning book, The Prize. In The Quest, Yergin shows us how energy is an engine of global political and economic change and conflict, in a story that spans the energies on which our civilization has been built and the new energies that are competing to replace them.

The Quest tells the inside stories, tackles the tough questions, and reveals surprising insights about coal, electricity, and natural gas. He explains how climate change became a great issue and leads readers through the rebirth of renewable energies, energy independence, and the return of the electric car. Epic in scope and never more timely, The Quest vividly reveals the decisions, technologies, and individuals that are shaping our future.

©2011 Daniel Yergin (P)2011 Penguin

Critic reviews

“It is a cause for celebration that Yergin has returned with his perspective on a very different landscape...[I]t is impossible to think of a better introduction to the essentials of energy in the 21st century. The Quest is...the definitive guide to how we got here.” (The Financial Times)

“A sprawling story richly textured with original material, quirky details and amusing anecdotes...” (Wall Street Journal)

"[An] important book...a valuable primer on the basic issues that define energy today. Yergin is careful in his analysis and never polemical.... Despite that, The Quest makes it clear that energy policy is not on the right course anywhere in the world and that everyone - on the left and the right, in the developed and the developing world - need to rethink strongly held positions." (Fareed Zakaria, The New York Times Book Review)

Outstanding is an understatement..

Where does The Quest rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is by far in the top 10 if not top 5 of the 30+ audio books I've listened to.

What did you like best about this story?

The most striking feature of this book, is the author's integration of history, politics, society, economics, science and personalities. Call it a totally

Have you listened to any of Robert Petkoff’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No. But he is by far the BEST reader I have listened too. The enthusiam with which he tells this story is his distinguishing feature. His enthusiam engages and holds you for a totally entertaining and informative experience. What could be dry topics are brought to interesting and anitmated life.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Oil and energy...the stories behind the story.

Any additional comments?

A must read!! (Or listen.)

Exceptional

Yergin knows this subject masterfully. A journey through two centuries, and all around the world.

Comprehensive, neutral, vivid

Covers all aspects of our modern energy situation--scientific, technological, environmental, political, economic--in a global narrative history that presents every side of every issue in a fair and straightforward way. Full of compelling stories and fascinating facts.

This book is foundational for understanding the global economic and political challenges of the 21st century, because every aspect of our modern way of life depends on reliable and sustainable energy.

my review

Would you listen to The Quest again? Why?

Fascinating and thorough coverage of our energy usage. History, science, politics -- very complete.

Who was your favorite character and why?

NA

Would you be willing to try another one of Robert Petkoff’s performances?

No -- overly dramatic style, very out of synch with the subject matter. Too much like a sensationalistic movie trailer.

Any additional comments?

Excellent book, Worth putting up with the irritating narration.

A must read for any liberal or conservative

if you care about having a deep understanding of one of the biggest issues of your country and the world, energy supply and security, look no further. Phenomenally informative, while remaining phenomenally non-partisan

An excellent follow-up to the Prize

What made the experience of listening to The Quest the most enjoyable?

I read the Prize many years ago and found it very interesting and insightful. Yergin delivered the same attention to detail in the Quest. Since the time period for the history of oil was only 22 years he filled the rest the pages with a discourse on all energy sources and problems with each source. In being able to get an indepth overview of energy including renewalble and nuclear I now have a greater appreciation of the problems that we face on this planet as well as potential opportunites. The book is so well crafted that I need to buy a hard copy to serve as a reference source.

Breathtaking overview of modern energy industry

I met a girl who is my soulmate; she works in sales & trading in renewable energy commodities at a top tier investment bank. I had no idea what she did or why she did it, but then I stumbled on this book. It gives a deep and broad overview of the energy industry from 1990 to early 2010’s and has a pace and artistry that was wonderful to listen to. I’m a staunch environmentalist, but the book gives a balanced picture of the value of oil geopolitically and in one everyday lives. It also illuminated how the financial industry and modern banking has helped drive investment in new energy sources. The Quest is a real masterpiece.

Perfect

Would you consider the audio edition of The Quest to be better than the print version?

Story and business making sense.
The book for people who search a deeper understanding of the energy markets and the people around it.

Amazing book.

Amazing book. Very insightful. Will recommend to anyone who wants to get a background on the inception of Oil & Gas.

required reading for adult life

before you say anything that pertains to oil, gas or electricity you need what is in this book