Every day journalists cover some aspect of the complex and compelling issues involved with oil. Along with it being an extractive industry with a world of its own, it is also key in war and
peace. The contributors of these seven articles help readers understand what underlies oil industry reportage, from the point of view of insiders. They cover the idea of making natural
resources blessings rather than curses, understanding the resource curse, getting the basics on oil and its industry, knowing the ins and outs of oil companies and the international market,
figuring out how contracts and their timing work, understanding how price shocks affect developing countries, and getting a clear idea of how oil development affects environment, social and
human rights. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
