In Bill Gates’ 2017 book recommendations, he said he will “read just about any topic” that Czech-Canadian scientist Vaclav Smil finds interesting. On Monday, Bill Gates released his annual list of favorite books that he read in 2017. One of his recommendations was “Energy and Civilization: A History” by Vaclav Smil.
This pick should come as no surprise — Gates has not been shy about his admiration of Smil’s work. On his Gates Notes blog, he said that he has read nearly all of Smil’s 37 books, most of which delve into topics like food production, energy, public policy, and the environment.
“The truth is, I’d read just about any topic he found interesting and wanted to dissect,” Gates wrote of the Czech-Canadian scientist.
Check out some of Gates’ favorite titles by Smil below.
“Energy and Civilization: A History” (2017)
This nonfiction book explores how energy — from donkey-powered mills to renewable power sources — has shaped societies throughout history.
Tech: Bill Gates has read nearly all 37 books by this scientist — here are 7 of his favorites
