A Great Look in The Oil Argument
357540
This book deals with tough subject for some. Fortunately, the book deals with the material quite well. There are a lot of facts in the book, especially about oil. IF you have this book, along with&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Levers-Guns-and-Sanctions-Tough-But-Fair-Conflict-Management-Tactics-to-Bring-Reluctant-Parties-to-the-Negotiation-Table-Conflicts-and-Negotiations-series/dp/B00AW8U0RI/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Levers, Guns and Sanctions - Tough (But Fair) Conflict Management Tactics to Bring Reluctant Parties to the Negotiation Table (Conflicts and Negotiations series)</a>, the you may the perfect understanding of this on going argument.
1522352
TWO WORDS:  MUST READ!  An intelligent and well-laid-out discussion of the global energy crisis and the ineptitude, inaction, and complete denial of the US government and citizens concerning same.  Dr. Leeb correctly predicted the 2008 oil crisis very early in this decade (when oil prices were still hovering at $35/bbl and all market and governmental pundits predicted more of the same ("The Oil Factor").  In this book, he astutely portrays the current energy crisis, its history, and possible civilization-changing ramifications IF immediate and costly actions are not quickly taken.  Understanding the denial and "follow-the-group" mentality of human nature, Dr. Leeb concludes this expert treatise by wisely laying out a suitable investment strategy to help one survive and prosper while others struggle with their heads still firmly imbedded in the ground.  Impressive work and excellent read!
2185143
I learned about peak oil in 1997 when I read an article in Futurist magazine. I started reading the literature, including non-fiction by Kenneth Deffeyes, Jim Kunstler, Richard Heinberg, and others. One would think that with cheap oil starting to run out someone would be out there doiong something. Instead, most analysts, economists, and politicians are saying we have plenty of oil for the next few decades. This annoyed me because I was seeing oil slack dwindling and oil prices rising during the Double-Zero decade. Apparently these authors were having no effect on public attitudes, although politicians and the media were going haywire over the issue of global warming.

People read a lot of novels, so maybe a novel is a better way of doing it. Jim Kunstler tried it first with "World Made by Hand". However, he described a post-apocalypse world in which Route NY 29 was a dirt road, electricity was on only 30 minutes each day, and so forth. People can't relate to this because such a doomsday world is not their world. I couldn't. So far I have read only two chapters.

Now comes Kurt Cobb with his novel "Prelude". The world he describes is pretty much as we were living it, in the year 2008. There were Metros, limos, cars, and all the comforts of modern life, including fancy restaurants. The story is about an oil analyst named, probably alludingly, Cassandra. As she lives her life, I can see many things in common with my life - working in a cubicle doing analysis, having dates with the opposite sex, enjoying summer evenings, and so forth. It is something we can relate to. I can relate to it; I have already read the complete book. The story is about how Cassandra found out about a secret about oil supplies that had dire implications for the world, and about the intrigue that resulted when people find out that she found out about it. It has an interesting ending; I will say no more than say that the ultimate things that can be done about peak oil we need to do ourselves in our personal life.

I would encourage as many people as possible to read this book, and I hope it enters the limelight of network TV news. It may be the best way for the general public to find out about peak oil.
3859650
I was familiar with most of the issues and arguments and evidence presented in this book, but loved it because the book takes an unusual tact in defending capitalism and free trade.  Most defenses focus on the good achieved by capitalist societies in terms of wealth and well-being, and this book does hit those topics.  This book takes a different angle though that I found incredibly compelling which is to argue the issue from the point of view of liberty.

What an individual does with their property is their business, and almost every issue's first defense in this books was to point out that protectionism, hyperregulation, and scores of other anti-capitalist positions espoused by the left worldwide are in fact all abridgements of individual liberty.

Only after making those points does the author go on to refute (usually quite capably) the 'greater good' arguments that anti-capitalists use to justify their positions.

One issue I was hoping would be better addressed was the protectionist view that wealthy countries are injured when trading freely with poorer countries.  The author does go into that, but only touches that base briefly, and not resoundingly enough to sway the skeptical.  Instead he argues principally from the perspective of someone interested in how to lift the world's poor out of poverty, which is a fine position, but convincing rich country protectionists is a necessary step along those lines.
2593117
Dr. Krugman's nuanced and informative arguments dispel the conventional wisdom that classifies him  as a left-wing economist.  While Krugman is decidedly Keynesian,  conservatives can still appreciate this book's arguments about pragmatic actions that must be taken  at certain points in the business cycle.  Liberals will be delighted by the author's bold approach, and his conviction that the durability of the dollar allows for  bold economic stimulus.  Krugman points out that neither Republicans nor President Obama have fully heeded his advice during the current crisis, but he offers--at the very least--excellent food for thought for future economists and policymakers.
4764258
Nigel Lawson has long had a reputation as a razor sharp intellect.  In this book he does not disappoint, offering up a succinct yet thorough analysis of the economics, science and politics of climate change.  Lawson draws on his experience as Great Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer and Energy Secretary to produce a careful examination of the dangers we face and the options available to us.  Lawson's discussion of the costs of mitigating greenhouse gas emissions is particularly valuable, as is his summary of the ethical issues raised by discounting future costs and benefits.  Highly recommended.
1368795
A long, hard read.  I did skim some sections.  But that said, The Prize is worth the effort.  Great overview of the oil industry, and insightful commentary on the importance of oil to our society.  Helps one understand the role oil played in the shaping of nations, especially in the Middle East.  Recommended....
3770927
Jay Hake's new book, "A Declaration of Energy Independence" is a must read for the extensive and multifaceted insights offered.

He has a keen grasp of the history of the interplay of world energy demand, and the the political and economic forces that constrain the formation of a constructive energy policy.

His extensive hands on experience in the evolution of US energy policy brings insights to the difficulty of political solutions.  He offers thoughtful proposals of politically feasible solutions.

There is a concise and cogent treatment in the chapter titled "Fossil Fuels and Global Warming: A Dangerous Experiment with the Planet."
4629912
In this book Bryce deftly details the fallacies of depending on alternative means of energy, at least for the immediate future. This is a topic that most liberals prefer to ignore. Those who justify huge subsidies for wind, solar, ethanol don't like to discuss the actual costs and challenges involved with those so-called alternatives. While an alternative to fossil fuels needs to be found in the future, you're not going to find it by just throwing money at it. If that was the case we'd have had a cure for cancer long ago. By the way, wasn't the fuel cell supposed to solve all of our problems? The truth is that in our world today we are all interdependent on each other for goods and services. Bryce is not a lackey for the oil industry; he is merely saying that it is the best fuel available for our transportation needs especially, and let it take its place in the free market along with unsubsidized alternatives. It's not a popular suggestion, but it sure beats the heck of all the meaningless political rhetoric we're hearing.
2885277
A great concisely written book covering the global oil industry. Covers a wide range of areas including the product and money chain of the oil industry. A good read for someone who wants an introduction to understand how the price of oil affect the globe and ourselves, both the upside and downside.
524812
Very rare one comes across such well written narratives of an entire industry which is the backbone of any economy. Energy industry is one of the foundation, on which any country's economy and development relies upon. For energy professionals who are early in their careers, it is sometimes very important to know the history in order to put current things in right perspective. Robert Bradley Jr. has done a terrific job by documenting the political and industrial developments in a chronological order.

<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Edison-to-Enron-Energy-Markets-and-Political-Strategies-Political-Capitalism/dp/0470917369/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Edison to Enron: Energy Markets and Political Strategies (Political Capitalism)</a>&nbsp;mainly tracks the lives and careers of Samuel Insull, who greatly contributed to creating an integrated electrical infrastructure in US and Jack Bowen, who was mainly in interstate gas pipeline business. Alongwith these two people, author develops a great storyline by integrating other key figures and parallel happenings in Energy industry.

As an energy professional. I found this book very thoughtful and filled with knowledge enhancing content. The language is very easy, however, due to the nature of the subject, I will not consider it a very casual and recreational read. It has to suit one's taste and intention in order to develop interest in this text.

Overall, I highly recommend this book if Energy is your career interest!
4409651
The book provides insight and hard data on a topic of great concern for all.  Oil, unfortunately, is the foundation of the world's economy.  And I say unfortunately in view of the great amount of pollution that our generation has produced.  We are paying a great price for the convenience of traveling and many of our comforts of modern day society.  When I was a child in the 1970s I had many questions concerning the long lines in the gas stations.  The book looks to the past answering many of my childhood questions and tries to predict the future of the Arab oil industry, i.e. oil reserves, and it does a good job.  It is on my bookshelf among my other prized oil industry history books.

If you want another good read on the oil industry's history I recommend The Prize by Daniel Yergin, which I also enjoyed reading some years ago.
898408
Fracking is big topic of debate, with claim and counterclaim as to its safety and impact on the environment and local communities as well as long term damage.

The cases both for and against it are often difficult to understand, there seaming to be no common ground. This is very pertinent here in my locale as the area is being surveyed as a potential fracking site.

So its nice to hear a balanced account of the fracking argument from someone who really knows what they are talking about, not a spin doctor or a suit, but someone who has a first class working knowledge of the argument both for and against. The beauty of this book is that it is a balanced view without the hysteria shown by too many people ton both sides of the argument.

Eric George simply explains the fact and leaves you to make your own judgement on the matter. There should be more books like this it makes a refreshing change. My recommendation? If you want the facts and simply the facts about fracking you need to read this book.
1691612
Richard Heinberg has written a excellent book on the things we should be much more interested in on Fracking and its promises. I have read a few other good books on shale energy recently, and many of the reports considering shale and its potential (the one by PriceWaterhouseCooper, the one by D. Hughes that this book also heavily leans on, and one recent by Finnish Technical Research Center to name a few).

The thing is, when you cut through all the rhetoric, strawmen, cherrypicking and other fallacies that can be found, the end result, Reality if you will, in my view is much closer to Snake Oil's conclusion than it is to the PWC reports' "shale will crash oil prices by this and that amount by this and that year".

Reality might not be what the extreme environmentalists want you to believe with their slogans and usual demand for perfection - I hate their rhetorics and cherrypicking as much as I hate anyone else's. But Reality is in my view much farther from what the shale industry, with the help of the media, wants us to believe. And when it comes down to it, prudent risk management says that trusting something as essential as national energy policy for example to industry propaganda that has been proven to be deeply fallacious, if not outright false, would be plain and simply put very stupid.

Shale needs to be put to the place where it belongs: A nice addition that can help us on the period of peak oil we are experiencing right now, but only if used smartly. If used stupidly, it will probably end up hurting us more on the longer run (given the fast depletion of wells for example).

But a game changer? There is simply zero actual, even semi-solid proof that it would be a game changer. There might someday be, of course. But right now, there is none. And that is what we need to understand. We do not know if this horse has teeth, or even four legs, yet right now we are manipulated to bet our lives on it to be the fastest horse we have seen in many decades.
2335936
The book itself is made readable by the fact it is edited from the original edition, but only to fix the flow of the book and not to edit the content. Overall it is a very interesting read, not many other books will give you an insight into how the oil industry was born and grew and the giant that was John D. Rockfeller. It starts of with an intro into oil itself, how it was discovered, the eventual discovery into its use, the various issues in getting it, and the large influx into the field within around a ten year period in the 1850s/60s. It then goes into Rockfeller, and then the growth and struggles of Standard Oil from the early days. I'm only around 60 pages in, but based on these I would definitely recommend it. In many ways it reads like a biography, whilst it is against Standard Oil/Rockfeller overall, it does well to point out the story in a more fact-like manner, with opinions more scarcely distributed around the chapters.
2265690
OIL...it's such an integral part of our lives, yet most people never think about it, let alone the impact it has on their lives. They assume it will always be there. What is oil? What critical products rely on it? How does oil affect both you and our planet? Why should you care? These are all questions, examined  with distinct, and sometimes frightening, clarity in Michelle Spaul's, The Volatile Fickle Unpredictable Undependable Price of Oil.

While it's written from a British perspective, Spaul's message leaves no doubt oil is a global issue, and our appalling dependence upon it will have great repercussions if we do not find a more eco friendly, cost effective replacement. Solid sources, along with the use of graphs and other supporting material, make this book very credible. Despite the seriousness of the subject, the book is also sprinkled with tiny bits of witty humor that made me smile. Well written, and easy to comprehend, The VFUU Price of Oil is a must read if you care about the future. I give it five stars.

Cindy Rodriguez, Commander, United States Navy (retired)
3288992
Author has amazing knowledge of geography, tribal and country history, economics, and of course, oil production, use, and the essential need countries have for energy. Put this all together and his insight enhances your understanding of potential world-wide disputes that could easily occur. Obviously, no-one can predict the future, or individual behavior, but he certainly will open your eyes as to what could potentially happen based on thoughtful insight and factual analysis.