Private Empire: ExxonMobil and American Power by Steve Coll investigates ExxonMobil's influence on global affairs post-Exxon Valdez oil spill, highlighting changes in its safety culture, significant relocation to Texas, and the pivotal leadership of CEO Lee "Iron Ass" Raymond. The book traces ExxonMobil's vast political and economic power, portraying it as akin to a sovereign nation with interests in various international regions. The narrative includes violence and torture.

Informative

Challenging

Mysterious

Dark

Suspenseful

Reviews & Readership

4.2

4,832 ratings

76%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

Not a fan

Review Roundup

Steve Coll's Private Empire: ExxonMobil and American Power offers a compelling, in-depth exploration of ExxonMobil's influence on global politics and energy policy. Readers praise its thorough research and gripping narrative. However, some criticize its dense detail and occasionally slow pace. Overall, it's an illuminating read for those interested in corporate power and geopolitics.

Who Should Read Private Empire: ExxonMobil and American Power?

A reader who would enjoy Private Empire: ExxonMobil and American Power by Steve Coll is likely interested in corporate power, energy policy, and global politics. Comparable to readers of Daniel Yergin's The Prize and Naomi Klein's This Changes Everything, they appreciate in-depth investigative journalism and an analysis of corporate influence.

4.2

4,832 ratings

76%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

Not a fan

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Book Details

Pages

320

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre

American Literature

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Journalism

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Biography

Setting