The Big Rich

The Rise and Fall of the Greatest Texas Oil Fortunes

By: Bryan Burrough

Narrated by: James Jenner

Best-selling author Bryan Burrough reveals how four Texas oil tycoons transformed America. Rising from humble beginnings through hard work and shrewd dealings, they shifted the balance of power in American politics.

While hobnobbing with movie stars and presidents, the Big Rich also created the legend of the swaggering Texas oilman with island hideaways and sprawling ranches.

©2009 Bryan Burrough (P)2009 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"John Dunning is a master." ( USA Today)

Educational yet entertainment

Would you listen to The Big Rich again? Why?

Yes, such a wealth of knowledge it was hard to soak it all up

What about James Jenner’s performance did you like?

Kept me engaged in this history lesson from cover to cover

Any additional comments?

I am new to the Texas oil culture and was recommended to read two books: The Big Rich & The Frackers. Each book has been invaluable in understanding the [oil & gas] history, past & current, and the influence on Houston, on Texas, and on the nation.

Definitely worth the read for anyone new to the oil & gas industry and I’m sure valuable for y’all that already think you aced 7th grade Texas history class.

Amazing Texas history.

Although confusing at times, only because there are so many names, I could not stop reading it. A resident of Houston, I am amazed at it's oil history. I wish I could have seen the Shamrock Hotel in person.

Great gossipy history of Texas oil barons

As a Texan, I found this book fascinating, if gossipy, and it filled in a lot of state and regional history for me.

Powerful story of the Biggest Men in Big Oil

If you could sum up The Big Rich in three words, what would they be?

Intriguing, Exciting, Tragic

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Big Rich?

The Clint Merchison family and the creation of the Dallas Cowboys.

Have you listened to any of James Jenner’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, I have not.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me feel compassion for the tragic fall from power two of these four families experienced.

Any additional comments?

Very informative and entertaining.

Texas history explained!

This book is basically an explanation of Texas history in the modern era. Much of Texas is misunderstood by outsiders, with everything being wrapped in a contemporary veneer created by recent explosive growth.

The author does seem to have a personal slant towards cultural elites rather than the tasteless nouveau rich, but that only enhanced the read for me.