Books in the History of British Petroleum series

Based on unrestricted access to papers and personnel at BP, this 1994 second volume of BP's history aims to be an honest and comprehensive examination of the company in the period 1928-1954. It includes penetrating insights into the direction and management of the company, and analyses various important international crises.

This book combines dramatic narrative, arresting analysis and original research. It assesses BP's comparative performance, and focuses on how BP responded to the rise of new competitors, the decline of Britain's imperial power, and the determination of nation states to assert national sovereignty over oil.

This is the first volume of a comprehensive history of British Petroleum, which covers the history of the company from its origin up to 1975. Dr Ferrier places the origin and growth of the company not only within the context of the oil industry but in the wider perspective of the evolving energy requirements in the twentieth century.