From the good oil to peak oil

John Nicholson looks under the bonnet to find out when and how we became an oil-driven society. Starting with a Brisbane bicycle-seller's motorised bike, he introduces us to

Tin Lizzie (or the Squatters Joy) - Henry Ford's T-model, with optional accelerator pedal and rear-vision mirror

home-grown Australian cars and the world's first ute

The Mack Bulldog and Mighty Antar trucks

the Little Grey Fergie' tractor, treasured by generations of farmers

ocean liners and bulk carriers

the heroes in flying suits who pioneered Australian aviation

In the fifth and final book in his impressive series, John Nicholson shows how the internal combustion engine superseded horse and steam power as the driving force in our modern economy. He leaves us with the question: where to after the oil runs out?

The Trade, Transport and Travel series:

Songlines and Stone Axes (pre-1788)

Cedar, Seals and Whaling Ships (1788-1830s)

Wool, Wagons and Clipper Ships (1830s-1850s)

Steam, Steel and Speed (1850s-1920s)

100 Years of Petrol Power (1900-2000)