The History of the Standard Oil Company (Unexpurgated Edition)

The History of the Standard Oil Company (Unexpurgated Edition) cover
Good Books rating 4.58
Technical
  • ID: 4428
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9781547232154
  • Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
  • Published: 2017-06-08
  • Reviews: 3

Written by journalist Ida Tarbell in 1904, The History of the Standard Oil Company is a groundbreaking exposé that delves into the inner workings of the oil tycoon John D. Rockefeller's empire. Originally serialized in McClure's magazine, this work is a seminal example of muckraking, a form of investigative journalism that inspired many others to write about trusts and monopolies. This comprehensive digital version includes both volumes, complete with appendices, illustrations, charts, tables, and footnotes. Tarbell's meticulous research and compelling narrative played a significant role in hastening the breakup of Standard Oil in 1911, making this a fascinating and historically significant read.

Reviews
Bookey · 2022-03-20
classic 4.50

The book is a classic piece of investigative journalism that remains relevant today. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of American business.

The reviewer highlights the book's significance as a classic piece of investigative journalism. They appreciate the author's meticulous research and fearless determination in exposing the corrupt practices of Standard Oil. The reviewer believes that the book provides a critical perspective on the history of American business and the impact of monopolies. They find the book to be a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the broader implications of these practices and their relevance today.


Quick quotes

    With meticulous research and fearless determination, Tarbell exposes the corrupt and cutthroat tactics employed by John D. Rockefeller and his company to amass their fortune.

    This book is a classic of Progressive-era American literature that remains relevant today.

    Tarbell's work is a testament to the power of investigative journalism and its ability to hold powerful entities accountable.

Goodreads · Another Goodreads User · 2021-02-15
powerful 4.75

The book is a powerful exposé that sheds light on the dark side of American capitalism. It is a must-read for those interested in the history of business and economics.

The reviewer praises the book for its comprehensive and detailed account of the practices of Standard Oil. They find the book to be a powerful exposé that reveals the unethical and often illegal tactics used by the company to dominate the market. The reviewer also appreciates the historical context provided by the book, which helps to understand the broader implications of these practices. They believe that the book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of business and economics, as it provides a critical perspective on the role of monopolies in American capitalism.


Quick quotes

    Tarbell's work is a powerful exposé that sheds light on the dark side of American capitalism.

    The book provides a comprehensive and detailed account of the practices of Standard Oil.

    It is a must-read for those interested in the history of business and economics.

Goodreads · A Goodreads User · 2020-01-01
insightful 4.50

The book is a meticulously researched exposé that reveals the corrupt practices of Standard Oil. It remains a significant work in understanding the history of American business.

This book is a classic piece of investigative journalism that delves deep into the unethical tactics employed by John D. Rockefeller and his company. The reviewer appreciates the thorough research and the fearless determination of the author in exposing these practices. They highlight how the book provides a critical perspective on the history of American business and the impact of monopolies. The reviewer finds the book to be an essential read for anyone interested in the history of corporate America.


Quick quotes

    With meticulous research and fearless determination, Tarbell exposes the corrupt and cutthroat tactics employed by John D. Rockefeller and his company to amass their fortune.

    This book is a classic of Progressive-era American literature that remains relevant today.

    Tarbell's work is a testament to the power of investigative journalism and its ability to hold powerful entities accountable.