Matthew R. Simmons

Since this book is from 2005, it is clearly outdated in some aspects. But still gives a great picture of how oil is produced, and of the history and particulariies of the Saudi oilproduction.

Well researched overview of Saudi Arabian oil reserves. Simmons' conclusions perhaps depend too much on inferences, but because state secrets are involved, he had, and we have, no alternative. The appendix could have stood alone as a book.

Good general introduction to Saudi data. Very convincing. When he starts to discuss individual oil fields in KSA, though, it goes completely over my head.

Author claims that Saudi Arabia is at or fast approaching it peak production. Analysis is based on a study of a series of technical papers about the main super-giant Saudi fields. Argument is plausible, although he stretches at a few points.