book introduces the historical significance of petroleum, illustrating its long-standing presence from ancient times to the modern era. McLaurin references various historical texts and anecdotes about the recognition and use of oil throughout history, debunking the notion that the petroleum industry is a recent phenomenon. He sets the stage for further exploration of the oil industry, detailing its evolution and the myriad of stories surrounding its discovery and utilization in different cultures across the globe. The writer hints at the deep societal changes brought about by this natural resource, all while juxtaposing humor and historical anecdotes to engage the reader's interest. (This is an automatically generated summary.)