Based on unrestricted access to papers and personnel at the British Petroleum Company, as well as numerous other sources, this second volume of BP's history aims to be an honest and comprehensive examination of the company in the period 1928SH1954. Such a history inevitably touches on many different historical interests ranging from international relations to social, economic, political and military topics. It includes penetrating insights into the direction and management of the company, and deals with controversial episodes such as the international petroleum cartel and the crisis arising from Iran's oil nationalization.