The Quest

This sequel to The Prize provides a narrative of global energy, the principal engine of geopolitical and economic change... (more)

This sequel to The Prize provides a narrative of global energy, the principal engine of geopolitical and economic change. The author, an energy authority continues the riveting story begun in the book, The Prize, in this account of the quest for the energy the world needs, and the power and riches that come with it. He proves that energy is truly the engine of global political and economic change, as well as central to the battle over climate change. From the jammed streets of Beijing, the shores of the Caspian Sea, and the conflicts in the Mideast, to Capitol Hill and Silicon Valley, he takes us inside the decisions and choices that are shaping our future. Without understanding the realities of energy examined in this book, we may surrender our place at the helm of history. He tells the inside stories of the oil market, the rise of the "petrostate", the race to control the resources of the former Soviet empire, and the massive corporate mergers that transformed the oil landscape. He shows how the drama of oil, the struggle for access to it, the battle for control, the insecurity of supply, the consequences of its use, its impact on the global economy, and the geopolitics that dominate it-will continue to shape our world. He takes on the toughest questions-will we run out of oil, and are China and the United States destined to conflict over oil? He also reveals the surprising and turbulent history of nuclear, coal, electricity, and natural gas. He investigates the "rebirth of renewables", biofuels and wind, as well as solar energy, which venture capitalists are betting will be "the next big thing" for meeting the needs of a growing world economy. He makes clear why understanding this greening landscape and its future role are crucial. He further brings climate change into unique perspective by offering an original and unprecedented history of how the issue went from concerning a handful of scientists, terrified of a new Ice Age, to one of the overarching issues of our times. This book presents an extraordinary range of characters and a panorama of dramatic stories that illustrate the principles that will shape a robust and flexible energy security system for the decades to come. (less)

"From the locked archives of the Vatican to the overgrown jungles of Ethiopia, an unlikely trio begins a deadly search f... (more)

"From the locked archives of the Vatican to the overgrown jungles of Ethiopia, an unlikely trio begins a deadly search for the Holy Grail. Two journalists and a beautiful photographer are traveling together in a broken down Jeep while covering the 1975 Ethiopian civil war. Both men fall in love with the woman and that complicates things. When the trio winds up lost in the jungle, in the no man's land between the fighting factions, they take cover and dig in for the night. In their hiding place, they encounter a dying man who tells them an amazing and quite unbelievable story. But for some reason--one that they grapple with for the rest of their journey--that night they believe. The dying man is a priest who has been imprisoned for 40 years because--as he tells it--he found the Holy Grail. This night he has escaped from the prison because it was bombed during the day's fire fight. Unfortunately, the priest was hit, too, so his freedom only lasts for one short night. But it's long enough for Father Armando to describe for our journalists the location of Christ's cup from The Last Supper--and it's long enough to make them believe his story...."--Publisher's statement on Amazon.com. (less)

"In three Western stories: 'Paradise Al', 'Paradise Al's Confession', and 'The Quest', misunderstood men find the chance... (more)

"In three Western stories: 'Paradise Al', 'Paradise Al's Confession', and 'The Quest', misunderstood men find the chance to prove themselves"-- (less)

After receiving a tip from a dying priest, four unlikely partners begin a quest to find the Holy Grail in the jungles of... (more)

After receiving a tip from a dying priest, four unlikely partners begin a quest to find the Holy Grail in the jungles of Ethiopia. (less)

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From the locked archives of the Vatican to the overgrown jungles of Ethiopia, an unlikely trio begins a deadly search fo... (more)

From the locked archives of the Vatican to the overgrown jungles of Ethiopia, an unlikely trio begins a deadly search for the Holy Grail. Two journalists and a beautiful photographer are traveling together in a broken down Jeep while covering the 1975 Ethiopian civil war. Both men fall in love with the woman and that complicates things. (less)

While the Ethiopian Civil War rages, a Catholic priest languishes in prison. Forty years have passed since he last saw d... (more)

While the Ethiopian Civil War rages, a Catholic priest languishes in prison. Forty years have passed since he last saw daylight. His crime-- Claiming to know the true location of Christ's cup from the Last Supper. Then the miraculous happens - a mortar strikes the prison and he is free! Old, frail, and injured, he escapes to the jungle, where he encounters two Western journalists and a beautiful freelance photographer taking refuge from the carnage. As they tend to his wounds, he relates his incredible story. Motivated by the sensational tale and their desire to find the location of the holiest of relics, the trio agrees to search for the Grail. Thus begins an impossible quest that will pit them against murderous tribes, deadly assassins, fanatical monks, and the passions of their own hearts. (less)

From Brian Trenchard-Smith, the acclaimed director of The Man from Hong Kong, Turkey Shoot, Dead End Drive-In and The Si... (more)

From Brian Trenchard-Smith, the acclaimed director of The Man from Hong Kong, Turkey Shoot, Dead End Drive-In and The Siege of Firebase Gloria,comes this action-filled adventure starring Henry Thomas (E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Cloak & Dagger). Cody (Thomas) is a young man of intrepid spirit, always looking for a challenge. Living with his guardian (Tony Barry, Shame), Cody learns of an ancient myth, the story of "Donkegin." He is told to leave it alone, but the legend sparks his lively imagination. Defying all authority, Cody and his girlfriend embark on a search that takes them into the shadow-land of mystery and to the edge of death. Written by Everett De Roche (Razorback, Race for the Yankee Zephyr) and featuring a top-notch score by the great Brian May (Mad Max, Road Games, The Road Warrior), THE QUEST is a treat for the whole family with a backdrop of spectacular Australian scenery. (less)