It is a scientific fact that primary energy has always been one of the principal drivers behind the growth of human prosperity; it is also a scientific fact that its most efficient source, fossil based petroleum, is finite and subject to depletion. The economic fact that this book proves beyond doubt is that the unprecedented economic and financial problems that the world, particularly the high oil consuming nations, are currently facing are a result of the decreasing physical ability of the World to increase its capacity to produce more oil to power the demands of rising economic growth and population. This book is about examining the overwhelming importance of energy within the production, consumption, costs, growth and monetary creation of our modern economic system and human prosperity.