DISCOVERY! The Search for Arabian Oil
by Wallace Stegner
Published by Selwa Press
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Reviewed by Diane A Brown
The beginning of something big often starts out small….
There was a time when the Persian Gulf was simple, quiet and undisturbed. A place where religious pilgrimages were made with little interruption, and life went on as it had for centuries. But then came change….
It was gradual and slow to start. The government leaders were cautious, skeptical of the advanced nations. Yet they desired the betterment of their people and country. There were many voices–and the choices were vast. Who should they trust? What country offered the most?
King Abdul Aziz Ibn Saud allowed numerous companies the opportunity to explore for oil. But it was the influence of St. John Philby, a former English intelligence office and Muslim convert that opened doors for the Americans.
During the 1930’s depression, taking risks could be disastrous. However, the American oil company was successful. After many negotiations the Saudi King granted a partnership. The Americans agreed to share profits, build roads and towns, and most importantl, train employees. There was much the Saudi people needed to learn, and it would take many years before Aramco could stand on its own.
The American families who came will never be forgotten. Their influence had a lasting effect on those who they trained, helped and befriended. However, there were struggles and challenges along the way, which no one could have foreseen.
Discovery! The Search of Arabian Oil, summarizes the blossoming of a lasting business affiliation between King Abdul Aziz Ibn Saud and the United States, spanning the depression of the 1930s to the end of World War II
This intriguing, and vividly descriptive story, was compiled and written some fifty years ago. Page by page you are transported back through the passing of history.
Armchair Interviews says: The experiences in this book will definitely give you a new perspective!