Oil

Children's Literature - Jean Boreen

This text is part of a series that takes a broad-based look at some of the most important world commodities. After defining what a world commodity is, each text then goes into a more focused consideration about its particular commodity. This text, with its focus about oil, provides an easy to read yet detailed explanation of the history of the use of oil in the world (including how it is found and where it is used), how it is drilled, refined, and distilled, and how it is traded. The last allows the authors to go into more detail about the idiosyncrasies of the ways in which commodities are traded, the impact of supply and demand on the price of oil and then its impact on world economies. Sections on codes of practice and international politics discusses regulatory commissions, the impact of oil speculation, and the political vagaries that develop in countries that know the value of their oil to other industrialized countries. Final sections focus on environmental and social issues arising from accidents or the misuse of oil and their real impact of people and animals as well as a consideration of the future of the oil industry. Excellent photos and graphics throughout further explain everything from reserves found around the world to political players in the field. This is a solid book for students looking for strong research materials and ideas for further study. Part of the "World Commodities" series. Reviewer: Jean Boreen, Ph.D.