Crude Britannia: How Oil Shaped a Nation (Hardback)

'Tells you all you need to know about oil's part in the industrialisation and deindustrialisation of Britain - how lives were built, how they were destroyed and how we now need to urgently build a green, just and sustainable economy'

‘Vivid and detailed’

'A vivid, compelling and very human account of how big oil has infiltrated our lives, the people it's enriched and those it's abandoned'

'Dripping with delicious detail'

'Superbly illustrates how the UK's toxic relationship with oil has defined our politics, our lives and our culture. An engrossing read'

'Compelling. [...] Marriott and Macalister take on the roles of sleuth, archaeologist, and witness to tell a story of oil, money and politics which changed millions of people's lives'

'As a former oil geologist who worked offshore during the heyday of the North Sea oil boom, I was transported back to those times. This book beautifully captures the mood and spirit of the time, and with a forensic approach it unravels the various political and financial events that took place between the UK government and the oil companies'

'Truly remarkable. [...] a unique insight into Britain's role and experiences in an oil addicted world'

'A marvellously rich account of how the oil industry has come to shape contemporary Britain'

'Told with passion and wit, this is a brilliantly original account of oil's lasting national imprint'

‘A poignant and wonderfully crafted journey that connects the oil industries and global capitalism with local stories. The authors are thoughtful storytellers guiding us through this journey’

'A harrowing read ... Marriott and Macalister interweave history and psychogeography. This is refreshing if not seamless: as the narrative style shifts from reportage to the rhythms of speech and prayer you would find in a David Peace novel'

‘A stimulating firework display of a book … Crude Britannia demonstrates that, even in the midst of the pressures of practical struggle against the threat of extinction, historical understanding matters’