The cover page is adapted from Burning Oil Well at Night, Near Rouseville, Pennsylvania, a painting completed in 1861 by James Hamilton. The cover and title pages feature the League Spartan and Sorts Mill Goudy typefaces created in 2014 and 2009 by The League of Moveable Type. www.theleagueofmoveabletype.com/
Oil!
Chapters (22)
- Preface 0:00
- I: The Ride 1:19
- II: The Lease 59:44
- III: The Drilling 2:07:58
- IV: The Ranch 3:20:06
- V: The Revelation 4:28:59
- VI: The Wildcat 5:37:52
- VII: The Strike 6:50:55
- VIII: The War 8:12:51
- IX: The Victory 9:02:01
- X: The University 9:53:02
- XI: The Rebel 10:56:05
- XII: The Siren 11:57:50
- XIII: The Monastery 12:56:17
- XIV: The Star 14:03:09
- XV: The Vacation 15:21:59
- XVI: The Killing 16:28:36
- XVII: The Exposure 17:24:13
- XVIII: The Flight 18:27:30
- XIX: The Penalty 19:28:04
- XX: The Dedication 20:17:46
- XXI: The Honeymoon 21:01:49
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James Arnold Ross Jr., nicknamed “Bunny,” is the son of a self-made oil millionaire. As he comes of age, Bunny’s sympathies for oilfield workers and socialists often clash with his father and his father’s business partners, forcing him to confront the ethical implications of his family’s wealth and power.
As Bunny witnesses the devastating consequences of his father’s unethical business practices, including accidents and a worker strike, he finds himself torn between loyalty to his family and his burgeoning friendship with an oilfield worker, Paul Watkins. Paul, influenced by his experiences in post-World War I Siberia, becomes a fervent advocate for labor rights and embraces communism. The novel explores the complex dynamics of family, loyalty, and the pursuit of justice in a society driven by oil and power.
Sinclair’s narrative satirically critiques the flaws and weaknesses of all the characters, shedding light on the human condition in the face of greed and inequality. The book offers a profound examination of societal issues, delving into themes of corruption, greed, and the struggle for workers’ rights.
Oil! inspired the 2007 film There Will Be Blood. The novel’s enduring relevance lies in its exploration of the interplay between wealth and morality and its scathing commentary on the oil industry.