A look at how the world's rising powers began international oil empires amidst one of Africa's longest and deadliest civil wars --

During the great oil speculations in the 1920s, both promoters and investors became victims of their common greed. Outlining the activities of several different promoters and drawing on business papers, federal court records, and local land records, the Oliens describe the legal and regulatory responses to fraud. Their fascinating story breaks new ground in American social and business history and offers new insight into the culture of American capitalism.

Palestine; antiquities; congresses.