Speed

'There is no author whose books I look forward to more' Bill Gates

‘There is perhaps no other academic who paints pictures with numbers like Smil’ Guardian

Discover how speed shapes life on Earth, from grinding geological processes to the astonishing speed of light. In this wide-ranging ideas book, internationally bestselling author Vaclav Smil explores the connections between speed, nature, and human innovation. With surprising insights - like how erosion actually accelerates mountain growth - Smil debunks the myth that modern life is accelerating at an unprecedented rate.

Combining compelling statistics with insightful analysis, Smil take readers on a captivating journey through the vast timescales of Earth’s history all the way down to the complexities of the present day.

Smil explains how we measure speed and reveals its theoretical limits, offering a thought-provoking look at the forces defining our world. This eye-opening book encourages readers to see speed’s vital role in everything around us.