Twilight in the Desert: The Coming Saudi Oil Shock and the World Economy Paperback - 2006

Twilight in the Desert reveals a Saudi oil and production industry that could soon approach a serious, irreversible decline. In this exhaustively researched book, veteran oil industry analyst Matthew Simmons draws on his three-plus decades of insider experience and more than 200 independently produced reports about Saudi petroleum resources and production operations. He uncovers a story about Saudi Arabia's troubled oil industry, not to mention its political and societal instability, which differs sharply from the globally accepted Saudi version. It's a story that is provocative and disturbing, based on undeniable facts, but until now never told in its entirety. Twilight in the Desert answers all readers' questions about Saudi oil and production industries with keen examination instead of unsubstantiated posturing, and takes its place as one of the most important books of this still-young century.

Of all the many nations that emerged into the harsh light of history and modernity during the twentieth century, none moved so rapidly from obscurity to glaring prominence as Saudi Arabia.

Praise for TWILIGHT IN THE DESERT

"This book is likely to be the most important ever written about oil."
--The late Richard E. Smalley, PhD, Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, 1996 Former University Professor, Gene and Norman Hackerman Professor of Chemistry, Former Professor of Physics, Rice University

"[Simmons] effectively confronts the complacent notion that there are ample oil reserves in Saudi Arabia. Twilight in the Desert should provoke anyone who believes that the recent increase in oil prices reflects either a speculative bubble or short-term supply constraints."
--Edward L. Morse, former deputy assistant secretary of state for international energy policy

"Everyone must understand this thesis, whether you agree or not, since it may change life as we know it."
--Jim Rogers, author of Hot Commodities and Adventure Capitalist

"Matt Simmons's book is a challenge to Middle Eastern oil producers to provide the world with more and better oil field data . . . If Simmons proves directionally correct, we are in for a huge and early challenge to find alternative transportation fuels."
--Dr. Herman Franssen, President, International Energy Associates, Inc.

"Provides much-needed transparency to a subject long hidden from public view. While all may not agree with its findings, it is the ensuing debate surely to follow that gives value to the author's efforts."
--Robert E. Ebel, Chairman, Energy Program, Center for Strategic and International Studies, Washington, DC