Ida M. Tarbell’s The History of the Standard Oil Company investigates the rise of John D. Rockefeller’s empire and its domination of the American petroleum industry. The book traces the industry's chaotic origins in mid-19th century Pennsylvania, describing oil's evolution from a curiosity to a major economic force. It details the logistical struggles of early drillers, setting the stage for the machinations that allowed Standard Oil to monopolize the market.
