I strongly recommend the reading of this book, for the expert and non-expert and politicians. If biofuels are to play an important role in our energy future, it is imperative we address all questions including uncomfortable ones, as Smith has done in this book.

Frank Rosillio-Calle, Imperial College

This is a revolutionary body of work that analyses the allure of biofuels from a global, historical and political perspective.

Judi Wakhungu, African Centre of Technology Studies

James Smith has produced an incredibly important book for anyone interested in why global investment in biofuels continues to expand at breakneck speed despite the technology's current inherent inability to make any significant impact on energy security or green house gas emissions.

Simon Trace, Practical Action