The King of Oil: The Secret Lives of Marc Rich

It's an excellent book in terms of the light he sheds on his own oil trading procedures. For people familiar with the business, it just confirms what we already knew -- which to me is valuable.
It is interesting, however, that the old truism applies. Life as well as business is all about who you know, your connections. Mr. Rich would not have been able to do his big breakthrough transaction had he and his partner not had good relations with key executives at the big oil companies. Without those critical contacts he would've failed I believe. Because even with the supply secured, nobody would've taken him seriously if he had to make cold calls to oil companies.  

Fascinating account of a man who became a billionaire by supplying services that others wanted. Apparently he did it by working harder and being willing to go where others were unprepared like Cuba and Iran. Also, by adopting a long term mentality vs short term profit.
Eye opening to read the details that reinforce just how connected commodities and specifically oil are to politics.
Anyone looking for insight into 'how not to waste a crisis' should read this book. Mark Rich is the king at this.
Book reinforced how important commodities are to maintaining and consolidating power, and that it encourages people to do things they don't really want to. For instance, a number of countries sold oil to South Africa during apartheid even though they publicly said they wouldn't.