The History of the British Petroleum Company 2 Volume Paperback Set

This is a two-volume history of the British Petroleum Company between 1901 and 1954. Volume 1, first published in 1982, covers the years 1901-1932 and deals with the earlier years of the D'Arcy Concession. The origin and growth of the company are placed not only within the context of the oil industry but in the wider perspective of the evolving energy requirements in the twentieth century. Volume 2, originally published in 1994, provides a comprehensive examination of the company in the period 1928-1954. Such a history inevitably touches on many different historical interests ranging from international relations to military topics, primarily in Britain and the Middle East. The book includes insights into the direction and management of the company, the careers of successive chairmen, and the relationship between the company and its major shareholder, the British Government. Both volumes are based firmly on evidence from contemporary records, including the company archives.