Crude : The Story of Oil

Rating:
Summary: Oil isn't the only "Crude" in this book
Review: For such a slim volume - only 175 pages with generous margins - author Sonia Shah attempts too much in trying to explain the story of oil. She starts with the geological story of how oil is formed and the incredible energy-efficient punch it delivers. In her preface, Shah writes that in oil, we encountered "one of the most versatile, energy-intense substances ever known."
It's hard not to respect how harvesting this fossil fuel has transformed the world and literally powered global advancements including higher standards of living in industrialized nations uniquely positioned to capitalize on its enormous benefits. This "black gold" is primitive in nature and it unleashed a brutal survival of the fittest contest in extracting and utilizing its resources.
But trying to explain the geopolitical story of oil is where Shah loses her way and becomes a wildcatter with the facts. A perfect example of her reaching for conclusions without basis can be found on Pg. 154 where she states that the United States' invasion of Iraq was originally going to be called Operation Iraqi Liberation (OIL) but was quickly renamed Operation Iraqi Freedom so that its "oily ramifications" wouldn't be discerned. Really. This "fact" isn't sourced despite her extensive footnotes. In her acknowledgments, Shah writes that "background for this book draws heavily on the so-called grey literature - unpublished reports, reviews and commentary." In everyday language, that's also called rumors, innuendo and wild speculation. Hardly credible journalism and I was disappointed that the numerous flattering reviews I read of this book in the mainstream press failed to note this.
Finally, Shah thanks "various familial editors, reviewers and supporters." She shouldn't be so hasty as this book is full of large and small typos (industry spelled indusstry), misplaced commas and other grammatical problems.
The story of oil deserves to be told - just not by this writer.



Rating:
Summary: Political Commentary
Review: Maybe this item should be retitled as "Crude: My Opinions" because it is certainly not any type of credible story of the petroleum industry. Don't read this book if you are looking for explanation of the industry. This book has value only as an opinion piece relating politics and oil.