The History of the British Petroleum Company

This 1994 second volume of BP's history aims to be an honest and comprehensive examination of the company in the period 1928–1954.

J. H. Bamberg (Author)

9780521117593, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 30 July 2009

668 pages, 108 b/w illus. 5 maps 55 tables
22.6 x 15.2 x 3.8 cm, 0.97 kg

Review of the hardback: 'Intriguing and fascinating stuff …' The Oilman Weekly Newsletter

Based on unrestricted access to papers and personnel at BP, as well as numerous other sources, this second volume of BP's history aims to be an honest and 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 social, economic, political and military topics, primarily in Britain and the Middle East. The 1994 book includes penetrating insights into the direction and management of the company, the achievements and shortcomings of successive chairmen, and the relationship between the company and its major shareholder, the British Government. It also deals in detail with matters which have retained an aura of controversy and mystique long after their occurrence, most notably the international petroleum cartel which sought to control world oil markets, and the major international crisis arising from Iran's oil nationalisation.

Introduction
Part I. Depression, Recovery and War, 1928–45: 1. Management and finance, 1928–45
2. A new concession and a 'fresh start' in Iran, 1932–9
3. Operations and employment in Iran, 1928–39
4. Co-operation in the markets, 1928–39
5. Concessionary interests outside Iran, 1928–39
6. The British Government and oil, 1928–39
7. Research and technical progress, 1928–39
8. War, 1939–45
9. Transition in Iran, 1939–47
Part II. Postwar Expansion, 1946–51: 10. Management and finance, 1946–51
11. The search for market outlets, 1943–51
12. The Company and the British Government, 1946–51
13. Politics and joint interests in the Middle East, 1946–51
14. Operations and employment in Iran, 1946–51
Part III. Crisis in Iran, 1947–54: 15. The Supplemental Agreement, 1947–50
16. Nationalisation, January–June 1951
17. Eviction, June-October, 1951
18. Failed initiatives, October 1951–August 1953
19. The Consortium, August 1953–October 1954
Conclusion
Appendices
Biographical details.

Subject Areas: Economic history [KCZ]