First published 2014
Gregory Zuckerman reveals how a small group of determined wildcatters transformed American energy production against expert predictions. The book follows key figures like George Mitchell, who pioneered shale gas drilling techniques, Harold Hamm, whose oil discoveries made him wealthier than Steve Jobs's estate, and Aubrey McClendon, who lost over $2 billion on risky bets. Zuckerman gained exclusive access to these men to document their five-year campaign that turned the United States into the world's fastest growing energy producer. The narrative shows how these entrepreneurs ignored professional ridicule to pursue massive overlooked deposits, ultimately positioning America to surpass Saudi Arabia in production by 2020. Zuckerman examines how these newly wealthy frackers now influence Hollywood, education, politics, and sports, echoing the cultural impact of earlier oil dynasties like the Rockefellers and Gettys. The book also weighs environmental concerns against potential benefits of energy independence for America and other nations considering similar approaches.
Genres: business, non-fiction, 21st-century, american-history
Vibes: thought-provoking
Tropes: underdog
Setting: America, Saudi Arabia, United States
Period: 2020
Audio CD · Gildan Audio