My latest book review is of Folklore of the Oil Industry by Mody C. Boatright. The edition I read was the original hardcover version from 1963. The book is also available in paperback in 1980 and 1984 editions, which you see pictured above. This book covers the entire oil industry in the United States, focusing specifically on Texas and Pennsylvania and Texas, but also mentioning oil found in West Virginia, Ohio, Kansas, and Oklahoma. The book predates the Alaska oil boom at Prudhoe Bay Oil Field, which began in 1968; I kept waiting for Alaska to appear, and I imagine other readers would feel the same way. Like other books I have reviewed, namely Boardin' in the Thicket and Spindletop Boom Days, the book contains some dated language.
The book is divided into three sections: "Finding Oil", "Popular Stereotypes", and "Story and Song". The first three chapters of "Finding Oil" cover some of the same territory as Spindletop and Giant Under the Hill as it describes the impact that the Lucas Gusher at Spindletop in Beaumont, Texas had on the American oil industry. This includes ridiculous stories, from a 13-year-old boy who claimed to be able to see oil under the ground to fortunetellers and self-proclaimed prophets who took advantage of the oil seekers. It also mentions many of the famous people in the oil industry. The "Popular Stereotypes" section describes the jobs of different people within the oil industry, such as engineers or landowners, and how they were sometimes misrepresented in popular culture. The final section on "Story and Song" highlights favorite tunes and tales among oil workers.
This book is a light read with even, smooth prose. Although the book covers a lot of ground, the organization into section makes comprehension easy. This book would be a good choice for a book club, classroom selection, or family read, as it stays away from some of the darker topics covered in other books.
This book is currently available on Amazon starting at $11.97. I'll receive a small commission if you use the link.
Abby Epplett Rating System: 7/10