Oil
Ian Fitzgerald
A fascinating overview of the substance that has shaped the modern world.
In this compelling account, Ian Fitzgerald tells the complete story of oil, from its formation over millions of years to its first discovery and use by humankind to its role as a crucial energy source and the conflicts that have since revolved around it.
Along the way, he covers such themes as technological innovation, cartels and collusions, oil's ever-depleting stocks and the rise of environmentalism, and its staggering influence on politics and business. Taking us from the days of oil barons like John D. Rockefeller and the first refineries of Standard Oil through to the formation of OPEC in the mid-20th century and the rise of fracking in the 21st, A History of Oil explores everything from the creation of plastics to the causes of the Gulf Wars.
Duration - 9h 2m.
Author - Ian Fitzgerald.
Narrator - David Blair.
Published Date - Thursday, 01 January 2026.
Copyright - © 2025 Arcturus Holdings Limited ©.
Location:
United States
Description:
A fascinating overview of the substance that has shaped the modern world. In this compelling account, Ian Fitzgerald tells the complete story of oil, from its formation over millions of years to its first discovery and use by humankind to its role as a crucial energy source and the conflicts that have since revolved around it. Along the way, he covers such themes as technological innovation, cartels and collusions, oil's ever-depleting stocks and the rise of environmentalism, and its staggering influence on politics and business. Taking us from the days of oil barons like John D. Rockefeller and the first refineries of Standard Oil through to the formation of OPEC in the mid-20th century and the rise of fracking in the 21st, A History of Oil explores everything from the creation of plastics to the causes of the Gulf Wars. Duration - 9h 2m. Author - Ian Fitzgerald. Narrator - David Blair. Published Date - Thursday, 01 January 2026. Copyright - © 2025 Arcturus Holdings Limited ©.
Language:
English
Opening Credits
Duration:00:00:10
Introduction
Duration:00:18:06
Chapter 1: The Invention of Oil
Duration:01:01:58
Chapter 2: The Birth of Big Oil
Duration:01:09:35
Chapter 3: New Horizons
Duration:01:14:27
Chapter 4: War and Peace
Duration:00:58:32
Chapter 5: Boom and Bust 1960-79
Duration:01:15:09
Chapter 6: Shifting Sands 1980-2000
Duration:01:01:41
Chapter 7: The End of an Era?
Duration:01:13:07
Chapter 8: The Long Goodbye
Duration:00:46:17
Conclusion
Duration:00:02:54
Closing Credits
Duration:00:00:23