 It provides an analysis of the various problems associated with humanity's reliance on oil and other fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas.Though "The End of Oil" is not a chronological history of humanity's use of fossil fuels, Roberts begins by recounting how Thomas Newcomen, in 1712, presented the first large steam engine, and thus helped spark the Industrial Revolution.He then goes on to explain the problems that have since developed, or may develop in the future, from humanity's reliance on oil and its "geological siblings", coal and natural gas.