Discusses different types of biofuels, the science behind their production, the implications of widespread use of biofuels on the environment and on the economy, especially any impact on food prices.

Description based on print version record. Electronic reproduction.

pt. I: The nature and history of biofuels. First fuels -- The nature of fuel -- The chemistry of combustion -- pt. II: Some important biofuel technologies. Ethanol -- Biodiesel -- Electricity production -- pt. III: Environmental and policy considerations. Large-scale use of biomass -- Alternative reasons for the consumption of biofuels -- Policy, research, and biofuels -- Conclusion -- Afterword: An interview with Dr. Amani Elobeid on the economics of ethanol.