Dr D.K. Taknet’s book is well researched and insightful … packed with information, and those who made their fortunes from the oil industry. The wide range of illustrations in the book is a delight to the eye and supplements the text effectively. I have no doubt that the way in which the book has been conceptualised and written will prove to be absorbing, exciting and educational for the reader.

Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of State (I/C), Petroleum & Natural Gas, Government of India.

Oil has played an important part in the culture and civilisation of mankind since the dawn of history. Its importance has increased over the years as the principal source of energy. It has an impact on history and changed the maps of the continents. The fascinating story of oil from time immemorial to the present day, events which shaped its discovery and use, and people and institutions who played key roles, is told in this well researched and elegantly produced book by Dr Taknet. He has produced a work of lasting importance.

As we are grappling with various issues, from economic to environmental, connected with this important commodity, this gripping saga of oil will be an invaluable source of information and education. Dr Taknet should be congratulated for producing a work of immense scholarship, and presenting it in an attractive and lucid manner.

Prof V.S. Vyas, former Member, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister.

Dr D.K. Taknet and his Institute have been rendering signal service to the cause of Business History by bringing out coffee table books on significant themes…The present work, focusing on the antecedents and development of the petroleum industry, too, bears witness to painstaking research and analysis. Richly illustrated with appropriate captions which is a delightful and educative read on a subject of vast significance.

Dwijendra Tripathi, Professor of Business History (Emeritus), Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad.

Painstakingly researched, well written and beautifully embellished with paintings, illustrations, etchings and photographs, this book is both a visual and intellectual feast. Dr Taknet has written with great comprehensiveness and lucidity on a subject that plays a pivotal role in our daily lives and is of immense geo-strategic importance. The captivating style and fascinating subject make it very difficult to set this book aside. A must read, not just for oilmen, but also for sociologists and historians.

Vikas Singh, Deputy Executive Editor, The Times of India.

Oil: Lighting Up Our Lives by Dr D.K. Taknet, richly illustrated with photographs of the oil industry provides the reader with a wonderfully graphic picture of the multifaceted uses of oil and the adventure and technology that enabled it…an example of the perfect harmony that can be achieved between text, subheads and rare visuals which make for absorbing reading. One of the best books on the history of the global oil industry ever written. The author has communicated with utmost lucidity and comprehensiveness. Its captivating style is hard to keep the illustrated book aside without reading it from page to page at one sitting. An absolute must for all the oilmen, future sociologists, researchers and historians.

Inder Sawhney, Chief of Bureau, Gujarat Samachar, New Delhi.