Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #41614 in Books
• Published on: 2007-11-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 376 pages

From the Back Cover

Oil is the most vital resource of our time. It drives the global economy, shifts the balance of geopolitical power, and (some would say) inspires nations to go to war.  Leonardo Maugeri writes a probing and controversial history of the oil industry, as only an insider can provide.

Beginning with the age of John Rockefeller and oil imperialism, the author delves into the oil history of the Middle East, the energy crisis of 1973, the oil collapse of 1998–99, the Gulf Wars, and the sharp price hikes following Hurricane Katrina. Maugeri offers a refreshingly contrarian viewpoint on the oil industry, debunking alarmist myths.

This new edition also features updated commentary about the controversy surrounding Hugo Chávez and the consumption of Venezuela, as well as the phenomena of resource nationalism in Russia, Libya, and throughout the world.

About the Author
Leonardo Maugeri is Group Senior Vice President, Stratgeies and Development, for the Italian energy company Eni, the sixth-largest publicly listed oil company in the world.

Customer Reviews

Excellent book. Must read for people interested in Oil
The Prize is still the classic book on the history of the Oil industry, but Yergin's masterpiece is around 20 years old. With The Age of Oil Maugeri has written a worthy sequel/successor.

The first part of the book concentrates on the history of the industry including the powerplay of the nations and the Seven Sisters. He writes a good and readable prose and the addition of 20 years history makes it an interesting read.

The second part is the more controversial one. He argues quite convincingly that there is no shortage of Oil and that Peak Oil theorists are basically doing not much more than repeating history ( we saw similar movements around Harold Ickes in the 40's and at the time of the big oil shocks. In all instances always followed by a wide over supply).

At the same time he argues also that there is no divine right for low prices and that with more people demanding energy prices will go up ( which we are seeing today). The Governments will have to be increasinly active in promoting more careful consumption habits and that is a wise thought.

In short, a good and comprehensive overview provided by a top class industry insider.