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I really wanted to learn about the history of oil extraction, and I admit that the book taught me something about that. But I found myself routinely cursing at the author's hypocrisy. When the United States, England, France, or any other empire invades some country to make certain that American or European oil transnationals have access to that nation's oil, the actions of these empires are seen as rational, normal, expected. These empires are seen as acting in their national interest. Yet if any country attempts to keep them out, they are seen as "greedy," "rapacious," and their leaders are seen as silly or foolish or dangerous (many of Yergin's characterizations of third world leaders are shockingly racist). When the US wants to use any and all means to gain access to oil from the Middle East, well, that's "defending" national interest. When the Soviet Union wanted to do the same, well, that was "Soviet aggression." (And I'm not suggesting that Soviet aggression would have been any better than US aggression, but merely pointing out the obvious double standard.) He consistently trivializes those of the third world who oppose the despoliation of their land and the theft of their resources. He also consistently trivializes or ignores the massive environmental destruction and social dislocation caused by the oil economy. In search of an informative history, I found a propaganda tract for the oil industry and for the nations that provide the muscle for them.