The Prize: The Epic Quest for Oil, Money, and Power
Summary:
“The Prize” recounts the panoramic history of oil -- and the struggle for wealth and power that has always surrounded oil. This struggle has shaken the world economy, dictated the outcome of wars, and transformed the destiny of men and nations.
“The Prize” is as much a history of the twentieth century as of the oil industry itself. The canvas of history is enormous -- from the drilling of the first well in Pennsylvania through two great world wars to the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait and Operation Desert Storm. (Summary and cover courtesy of goodreads.com)
Review:
“The Prize” is genuinely one of the best books that I have read in a long time. Be forewarned, it’s long, but I honestly think I could say that I learned more about history and foreign policy from this book than from school. Yergin does an amazing job breaking down the history of oil into its key players, why the industry structured itself the way it did, and the implications it has on future policy decision-making. Oh, and there are many funny moments – think Bill Bryson writing more like a well-researched journalist in a more serious tone. This history is something that would be intriguing to anyone who feels they don’t have a strong grasp on power-makers in the world and why governments act the way they act.
Now, I recognize for someone who studied political science this book may not be as illuminating as it was for me (engineer and consultant by trade). It did take me a while to get through, but it is well worth the commitment and I’m already looking forward to reading the sequel “The Quest”.
Rating: 5 stars!
Who should read it? Don’t question it, just read it.
Want to read the series?
The Quest