The Oracle of Oil is the untold story of M. King Hubbert, one of the twentieth century’s top scientists. Known as “the father of peak oil,” Hubbert made bold forecasts about crucial turning points in oil supplies—the timing of the peak of production—for both the United States and the whole world. Despite holding one of the top research positions in the oil industry, and despite being one of the nation’s most respected geologists, his predictions were widely rejected. When his predictions did come true, The New York Times and Washington Post both celebrated him as a “prophet.” Some called him an “oracle.” But of course he was a scientist, through and through. Throughout his life, he advanced controversial and unpopular ideas about energy and society, motivated by his concerns about the long-term fate of civilization. He sought a society that shares resources fairly among citizens, and that plans ahead […]