Book excerpt: "Oil Men" represents a unique resource for the student of the challenges, both physical and political, of oil prospecting in a region with no infrastructure and no formal boundaries between local power bases. The book charts the slow and unexpected transformation of the emirates from poverty to undreamed-of wealth. Detailed coverage with extensive access to primary sources describes the frequently tortuous negotiations between oil companies, sheikhs and regional political agents, all of whom sought to protect their different vested interests. The author has had full access to company records which are quoted throughout, including progress reports, minutes of meetings, telegrams and other primary sources, which are collected in full in Volume 2.