Baku dominated world oil production. At the turn of the 21st century it is again centre stage. After more than 70 years of isolation under Soviet dominance, with the collapse of the FSU, Caspian oil and gas reserves once more became accessible to international investment. These have been compared to the oil rich countries of the Persian-Arabian Gulf, which led some western leaders to believe that Caspian Oil would soon relieve them of their strategic dependence on the Middle East Regional leaders have actively encouraged this view. Consequently the appearance of this book should have been timely, to provide a much needed context for the events that are currently taking place within the region.
Regrettably readers are likely to be disappointed.
The book is not an easy read. The written style lacks clarity and can be convoluted. Chapters 1 and 2 trace oil developments on the Apsheron at Baku from the time of Alexander the Great, to the arrival of the Nobels and Rothchilds at the end of the 19th century. Chapter 3 records the story of the highly complex period leading to the First World War. Chapter 4 devotes itself to the period of the War itself, the post-war British Protectorate, and the arrival of the Bolsheviks.