A fascinating collection of stories, some written by people I know. So often companies claim to find oil when in some cases it may be only one or two individuals of many. They say success has many parents while failures are orphans. These are the real parents!

The story about the original production sharing contract should be essential reading for all negotiators and economists. Likewise, the story of how the North Sea came to be divided up is fascinating and all but lost in the official history books. The Yemen story is a true reflection of what it still can be like today when pioneering in remote parts.

Hatley's book is an intriguing collection of stories about several men (no women) who made significant oil and gas "plays" during the post-WWII period. These short autobiographies relate victory over difficult circumstances (both natural and human-inspired) that accompanied their hydrocarbon exploration. The authors' viewpoints range from down-to-earth to egregiously egomaniacal. Some of the remembrances appear on their face to be less than accurate. Yet this book manages to present a deep-inside view of oil exploration that is highly entertaining. A recommended read.