Fossil fuels are o staggering significance throughout the world. Petroleum, natural gas, and coal are primary sources of energy that drive modern technology, affecting the lives of hundreds of millions of people. The production and sale of these fuels represent a billion-dollar a year industry, which greatly influences the global economy. Possession or, conversely, lack of these resources can sway the domestic and foreign policies of nations. Important resources such as these deserve careful consideration and in-depth analysis, which is th aim of this book. Within these pages lies a thorough analysis of the history, origins, production, and uses of fossil fuels.