828. "Oil, Power, and War" by Matthieu Auzanneau -- 3-Stars

Oil, Power, and War by Matthieu Auzanneau

Chelsea Green Publishing

ISBN: 9781603587433 

I was enthralled by the author’s ability to explain the history of oil through captivating fiction-like prose. His research must have been endless and his interspersing of historical observations with his superb literary abilities made this a page turner in the making. The explanation of prehistoric eras with of high carbon dioxide levels, temperatures well above today’s normal averages, water levels 200m above the then normal levels, and the extinction of dinosaurs due to an asteroid hit as were “acceptable” to illustrate the history of oil. I even overlooked the innuendo that this same leap backward to high carbon dioxide and temperatures could possible occur again (the Gore theory that never occurred) within a century “confirming” the Greenhouse Affects. But when I came to page 36 and the passage “Perhaps the black gold industry, long dominated by the Americans, was reluctant to attribute its paternity to the Russians, a Canadian, or a ‘medicine man’ associated with a US president who was unable to prevent the coming Civil War (and who is still considered, along with George W. Bush and Donald Trump, to be the most incompetent figure ever to occupy the White House),” I called it quits. Up to this point I questioned a lot of what was being written, not that I knew differently, but that the observations being communicated seemed only to fit a well composed story, they were not necessarily facts and mere opinions like the referenced passage. At that point I immediately dismissed what the French author most diligently wrote and facts became mere observations. My impression went from nonfiction to historical fiction due to liberal interpretations of information and unacceptable opinions that added nothing to the story, but, conversely damaged a fine written piece of literature.

Ratings:

How well written = 5-Stars (captivating -- ignoring the negatives stated above)

Research = 5 Stars

Facts Presented = 4 Stars (some observations questionable and, thus, merely observations)

Opinions = 0 Stars (unnecessary to promote unproven theories and politics)

Written to ensure 100% nonfiction-believability = 3 Star

Overall = 3 Stars (turned off and can’t accept it as true nonfiction – unwilling to finish)

Reviewer: Rich