Part of the six volume set on Energy and the Environment, John Tabak's book Biofuels makes a first class contribution to the field of knowledge on this subject. It is usefully divided into three parts: The Nature and History of Biofuels; Some Important Biofuel Technologies; and Environmental and Policy Considerations. Each part is further sub-divided into three chapters: 1. First Fuels, 2. The Nature of Fuel, 3. The Chemistry of Combustion; 4. Ethanol, 5. Biodiesel, 6. Electricity Production; 7. Large-scale Use of Biomass, 8. Alternative Reasons for the Consumption of Biofuels; and 9. Policy, Research and Biofuels. Interspersed with these are useful ‘green boxes’ providing information on Ancient Forests, Modern Humans, Sinks, Sources and the Greenhouse Effect, Sustainability, Ethanol in Brazil, Biodiesel from Algae, A Case Study on Power Generation Versus the Environment, Siting Biorefineries, Gasification Technology in the Paper and Pulp Industry and Switchgrass, a Future Fuel.

The conclusion on the pros and cons of biofuel production and use, a telling interview with Dr Amani Elobeid on the economics of ethanol, a chronology on biofuels, a list of acronyms and a detailed glossary of terms are also of great value, along with a useful list of further reading and available information.

Biofuels fulfils a valuable function in providing much useful information, and setting out the many reasons for and against the use of biofuels, including positive and negative factors for the protection of the environment. Whether one is a student new to the topic, or a long-involved researcher seeking new thoughts and further insight to this immeasurably important topic for the future of humankind, this is a must-read book.